Louisiana has mandated that all public schools, including Charter Schools, display the motto “In God we trust” in every classroom and on every school building, beginning in 2026. This decision was unanimously approved by the Senate, with only a handful of representatives opposing it.
That means all of our legislators from this area support the new law. It would be political suicide in Louisiana to vote against God, guns, or the American Flag.
While the new law might seem like a reaffirmation of faith and values, a closer examination of the societal landscape raises pertinent questions about the efficacy and sincerity of this endeavor.
Do our actions line up with the motto, or is this a “political dog whistle” wrapped up in faith?
The trend to prominently display “In God we trust” in educational institutions is part of a broader conservative push observed in states like Florida and Texas, where children are being exposed to this motto while simultaneously witnessing political and governmental actions that often diverge from the core beliefs it represents. The irony here is hard to miss: promoting trust in God on one hand, while supporting policies that sometimes appear to lack such trust on the other.
Historically, “In God we trust” has been associated with various political movements. During the Civil War, the phrase found its way onto American coins, symbolizing a nation seeking divine protection. However, it subsequently disappeared from coins due to challenges about mixing religious beliefs with politics. The motto’s reappearance in 1955 on all currency was championed by Evangelist Billy Graham and President Eisenhower, distinguishing the United States from communist countries.
Over time, conservatives have rallied around the motto to oppose certain social programs, such as Welfare, Social Security, and Food Stamps, asserting that the nation should rely on God rather than the government for assistance.
This symbiotic relationship between the motto and political movements begs the question: Is it merely symbolic, or does it reflect a genuine belief system that guides actions? The recent decision in Louisiana brings this quandary into sharp focus.
While Rabbi Pinchas Taylor argues that prominently displaying the motto can encourage a morally upright society, we must consider whether it rings hollow when government actions seem to lack trust in God.
The Monroe Police Department’s substitution of “Protect and Serve” with “In God we trust” raises eyebrows in light of the administration’s controversial stop-and-search practices within the Black community. Cracking down on Blacks only, is this what God wants?
African Americans have witnessed governments invoking trust in God while simultaneously supporting policies that perpetuate police brutality, stifle dissent, and neglect the marginalized. This conflict erodes the credibility of the motto and highlights a hypocrisy that cannot be ignored.
The heart of the matter lies in the disconnection between words and deeds.
If the actions of the government are not aligned with the values espoused by the motto, its presence in classrooms can be viewed as little more than a superficial gesture.
Placing these signs within school premises and on police cars should not be a mask to hide behind while legitimate concerns about justice and compassion go unanswered.
The fact that we trust God is best shown by our actions, not because it’s on an 11×14 sign on the wall.
