In God We Trust sign prominently posted in FCPS Middle School main office

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I walked into the office to pick up my daughter yesterday and noticed an 8.5 x 11 sign stating "In God We Trust" in a prominent location in the main office.

This seems at best inappropriate and at worst like a brazen attempt to bring personal religious beliefs into a public space (unfortunately I do think it is legal). I happen to know, because of the Principal's Instagram account, that she is extremely religious. I respect her personal beliefs and her right to express them in a private context.

But as someone who has carefully raised their children without religion and God, this sign is offensive to me. Whether or not it is intentional, it effectively others and intimidates constituents of that school who don't believe in God. Even if it only offends a few people, isn't that enough? Why is this necessary?

I know. It's on our money and it's in the pledge, but my kids can opt to not say the God part in the pledge. They can't opt not to go into the main office.

I filled out a discrimination complaint online, but I doubt anything will come of it (there are certainly more immediate issues in that arena for that office to address).

I am considering writing a kind and good faith note to the principal from an anonymous email address. Any (kind and in good faith) thoughts on that approach or ideas for ways to resolve this without backlash against my kids?

Thanks.

I would take this seriously if you have previously complained about the public display of BLM signs.

Have you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_national_motto#:~:text=The%20modern%20motto%20of%20the,on%20U.S.%20coins%20in%201864.

It's the national motto as well.

and

Virginia requires it's display.

Further evidence that VA is a sh1thole. Getting sh1ttier by the day with Youngkin.

That was passed by Governor Warner, a democrat and our current senator.

Doesn't make it any less of a sh1tty law.

Like I said, VA is a sh1thole. And getting sh1ttier by the day with Youngkin.

You’re a hypocritical moron. Go back to across the Potomac River if you hate the laws that were passed here decades ago and can’t seem to tolerate them.

Counting down the days until I move away. It’s way too backward here - and moving in the wrong direction.

Maybe someday VA will join the 21st century.

Back to Maryland or the Northeast I’m guessing?

You’re curious where civilized, educated people live?

Yet you still chose to live here even while knowing that? Silly OP, you’ll make your way down here sooner or later

VA didn’t have this law when I moved here.

And, before Trump/Youngkin, VA was heading in the right direction. Even though religious nutters were trying to flex with idiotic laws like this.

There is just too much ignorant trash still here. Guess we need to give it a few more decades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I walked into the office to pick up my daughter yesterday and noticed an 8.5 x 11 sign stating "In God We Trust" in a prominent location in the main office.

This seems at best inappropriate and at worst like a brazen attempt to bring personal religious beliefs into a public space (unfortunately I do think it is legal). I happen to know, because of the Principal's Instagram account, that she is extremely religious. I respect her personal beliefs and her right to express them in a private context.

But as someone who has carefully raised their children without religion and God, this sign is offensive to me. Whether or not it is intentional, it effectively others and intimidates constituents of that school who don't believe in God. Even if it only offends a few people, isn't that enough? Why is this necessary?

I know. It's on our money and it's in the pledge, but my kids can opt to not say the God part in the pledge. They can't opt not to go into the main office.

I filled out a discrimination complaint online, but I doubt anything will come of it (there are certainly more immediate issues in that arena for that office to address).

I am considering writing a kind and good faith note to the principal from an anonymous email address. Any (kind and in good faith) thoughts on that approach or ideas for ways to resolve this without backlash against my kids?

Thanks.

I would take this seriously if you have previously complained about the public display of BLM signs.

Have you?

Not OP, but what does that have to do with freedom of religion?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I walked into the office to pick up my daughter yesterday and noticed an 8.5 x 11 sign stating "In God We Trust" in a prominent location in the main office.

This seems at best inappropriate and at worst like a brazen attempt to bring personal religious beliefs into a public space (unfortunately I do think it is legal). I happen to know, because of the Principal's Instagram account, that she is extremely religious. I respect her personal beliefs and her right to express them in a private context.

But as someone who has carefully raised their children without religion and God, this sign is offensive to me. Whether or not it is intentional, it effectively others and intimidates constituents of that school who don't believe in God. Even if it only offends a few people, isn't that enough? Why is this necessary?

I know. It's on our money and it's in the pledge, but my kids can opt to not say the God part in the pledge. They can't opt not to go into the main office.

I filled out a discrimination complaint online, but I doubt anything will come of it (there are certainly more immediate issues in that arena for that office to address).

I am considering writing a kind and good faith note to the principal from an anonymous email address. Any (kind and in good faith) thoughts on that approach or ideas for ways to resolve this without backlash against my kids?

Thanks.

I would take this seriously if you have previously complained about the public display of BLM signs.

Have you?

Not OP, but what does that have to do with freedom of religion?

Nothing.

It does with the public display of something that I suspect OP wouldn't have a problem with, even if it's much more problematic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stop being so intolerant. People are allowed to believe in God. Just ignore it.

It shouldn't be in a public building

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop being so intolerant. People are allowed to believe in God. Just ignore it.

It shouldn't be in a public building

You could move to North Korea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At the PTA-sponsored book fair at our kid’s NOVA public elementary school a parent dressed as Santa and gave out candy. A Jewish family wrote a letter to the principal complaining that it was inappropriate and offensive and made them uncomfortable. The principal ignored it.

How do you know the principal ignored it? Because someone told you he did? I am nit Christian. I don’t find Santa offensive (he also is not Christian!).

Because the principal told me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I walked into the office to pick up my daughter yesterday and noticed an 8.5 x 11 sign stating "In God We Trust" in a prominent location in the main office.

This seems at best inappropriate and at worst like a brazen attempt to bring personal religious beliefs into a public space (unfortunately I do think it is legal). I happen to know, because of the Principal's Instagram account, that she is extremely religious. I respect her personal beliefs and her right to express them in a private context.

But as someone who has carefully raised their children without religion and God, this sign is offensive to me. Whether or not it is intentional, it effectively others and intimidates constituents of that school who don't believe in God. Even if it only offends a few people, isn't that enough? Why is this necessary?

I know. It's on our money and it's in the pledge, but my kids can opt to not say the God part in the pledge. They can't opt not to go into the main office.

I filled out a discrimination complaint online, but I doubt anything will come of it (there are certainly more immediate issues in that arena for that office to address).

I am considering writing a kind and good faith note to the principal from an anonymous email address. Any (kind and in good faith) thoughts on that approach or ideas for ways to resolve this without backlash against my kids?

Thanks.

I would take this seriously if you have previously complained about the public display of BLM signs.

Have you?

Not OP, but what does that have to do with freedom of religion?

One of the co-founders, Patrisse Cullors, is on record as it being a "spiritual movement". The movement infuses a syncretic blend of African and indigenous cultures’ spiritual practices and beliefs, embracing ancestor worship; Ifa-based ritual such as chanting, dancing, and summoning deities; and healing practices such as acupuncture, reiki, therapeutic massage, and plant medicine in much of its work, including protest. Some see BLM as secularizing the new civil rights movement as it is often portrayed in the media. Instead, BLM's marginalization of patriarchal and hierarchical modalities of religion informs its members' reinterpretation and expression of faith, political expression, radical organizing, and community-building.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop being so intolerant. People are allowed to believe in God. Just ignore it.

It shouldn't be in a public building

You could move to North Korea.

Is that the best place for religious freedom?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I walked into the office to pick up my daughter yesterday and noticed an 8.5 x 11 sign stating "In God We Trust" in a prominent location in the main office.

This seems at best inappropriate and at worst like a brazen attempt to bring personal religious beliefs into a public space (unfortunately I do think it is legal). I happen to know, because of the Principal's Instagram account, that she is extremely religious. I respect her personal beliefs and her right to express them in a private context.

But as someone who has carefully raised their children without religion and God, this sign is offensive to me. Whether or not it is intentional, it effectively others and intimidates constituents of that school who don't believe in God. Even if it only offends a few people, isn't that enough? Why is this necessary?

I know. It's on our money and it's in the pledge, but my kids can opt to not say the God part in the pledge. They can't opt not to go into the main office.

I filled out a discrimination complaint online, but I doubt anything will come of it (there are certainly more immediate issues in that arena for that office to address).

I am considering writing a kind and good faith note to the principal from an anonymous email address. Any (kind and in good faith) thoughts on that approach or ideas for ways to resolve this without backlash against my kids?

Thanks.

I would take this seriously if you have previously complained about the public display of BLM signs.

Have you?

Not OP, but what does that have to do with freedom of religion?

One of the co-founders, Patrisse Cullors, is on record as it being a "spiritual movement". The movement infuses a syncretic blend of African and indigenous cultures’ spiritual practices and beliefs, embracing ancestor worship; Ifa-based ritual such as chanting, dancing, and summoning deities; and healing practices such as acupuncture, reiki, therapeutic massage, and plant medicine in much of its work, including protest. Some see BLM as secularizing the new civil rights movement as it is often portrayed in the media. Instead, BLM's marginalization of patriarchal and hierarchical modalities of religion informs its members' reinterpretation and expression of faith, political expression, radical organizing, and community-building.

BLM is not a religion. GTFO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I walked into the office to pick up my daughter yesterday and noticed an 8.5 x 11 sign stating "In God We Trust" in a prominent location in the main office.

This seems at best inappropriate and at worst like a brazen attempt to bring personal religious beliefs into a public space (unfortunately I do think it is legal). I happen to know, because of the Principal's Instagram account, that she is extremely religious. I respect her personal beliefs and her right to express them in a private context.

But as someone who has carefully raised their children without religion and God, this sign is offensive to me. Whether or not it is intentional, it effectively others and intimidates constituents of that school who don't believe in God. Even if it only offends a few people, isn't that enough? Why is this necessary?

I know. It's on our money and it's in the pledge, but my kids can opt to not say the God part in the pledge. They can't opt not to go into the main office.

I filled out a discrimination complaint online, but I doubt anything will come of it (there are certainly more immediate issues in that arena for that office to address).

I am considering writing a kind and good faith note to the principal from an anonymous email address. Any (kind and in good faith) thoughts on that approach or ideas for ways to resolve this without backlash against my kids?

Thanks.

I would take this seriously if you have previously complained about the public display of BLM signs.

Have you?

Not OP, but what does that have to do with freedom of religion?

Nothing.

It does with the public display of something that I suspect OP wouldn't have a problem with, even if it's much more problematic.

Equal rights are a “problem” for you? And religious freedom?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I walked into the office to pick up my daughter yesterday and noticed an 8.5 x 11 sign stating "In God We Trust" in a prominent location in the main office.

This seems at best inappropriate and at worst like a brazen attempt to bring personal religious beliefs into a public space (unfortunately I do think it is legal). I happen to know, because of the Principal's Instagram account, that she is extremely religious. I respect her personal beliefs and her right to express them in a private context.

But as someone who has carefully raised their children without religion and God, this sign is offensive to me. Whether or not it is intentional, it effectively others and intimidates constituents of that school who don't believe in God. Even if it only offends a few people, isn't that enough? Why is this necessary?

I know. It's on our money and it's in the pledge, but my kids can opt to not say the God part in the pledge. They can't opt not to go into the main office.

I filled out a discrimination complaint online, but I doubt anything will come of it (there are certainly more immediate issues in that arena for that office to address).

I am considering writing a kind and good faith note to the principal from an anonymous email address. Any (kind and in good faith) thoughts on that approach or ideas for ways to resolve this without backlash against my kids?

Thanks.

I would take this seriously if you have previously complained about the public display of BLM signs.

Have you?

Not OP, but what does that have to do with freedom of religion?

One of the co-founders, Patrisse Cullors, is on record as it being a "spiritual movement". The movement infuses a syncretic blend of African and indigenous cultures’ spiritual practices and beliefs, embracing ancestor worship; Ifa-based ritual such as chanting, dancing, and summoning deities; and healing practices such as acupuncture, reiki, therapeutic massage, and plant medicine in much of its work, including protest. Some see BLM as secularizing the new civil rights movement as it is often portrayed in the media. Instead, BLM's marginalization of patriarchal and hierarchical modalities of religion informs its members' reinterpretation and expression of faith, political expression, radical organizing, and community-building.

BLM is not a religion. GTFO.

BLM promotes violence.

[Anonymous]

OP, I wouldn't like it either. Mine have graduated. FCPS, probably because the whole state of Virginia, didn't honor the separation of church and state. It was shocking.

[Anonymous]

Pick your battles, OP. You may need to complain about something more important to your child’s education in the future and this is not the foot you want to get off on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not OP, but what does that have to do with freedom of religion?

BLM is religious if we're defining religion down to the level that display of the word "God" is religious.