Oklahoma school removes Bible verse display following a claim that it was unconstitutional
BETHANY, OKLA. (KOKH) — An Oklahoma school took down a bible verse that was displayed inside the building after the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) said it was unconstitutional.
The organization said a concerned Putnam City Schools employee alerted FFRF that the verse,Ephesians 3:20-21, was posted in the hallway ofWestern Oaks Middle School.
The verse read, “Now all glory to God, who is able through HIS mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we might as or imagine.”
FFRF said it asked the district to remove the verse.
The FFRF Staff AttorneyChris Line wrote to Superintendent Fred Rhode:
It is well settled that public schools may not show favoritism toward or coerce belief or participation in religion. This display directly violates the First Amendment by creating the appearance that the district prefers religion over nonreligion and Christianity over all other faiths. Courts have continually held that public school districts may not display religious messages or iconography in public schools.
FFRF said the district responded, "Please be advised that, during Spring Break, Putnam City Schools has removed the Bible verse posted on the wall at Western Oaks Middle School."