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Searcy High removes Bible quotes from chorus room after complaint

Several posters featuring Bible quotes have been removed from the Searcy High School chorus room after the school received a complaint that the signs violated the United States Constitution.
Credit: Freedom From Religion Foundation

The Searcy School District has removed several posters featuring Bible quotes and gospel songs from the Searcy High School chorus room after the school received a complaint that the signs violated the United States Constitution.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation announced the removal of the posters Monday, saying that courts have routinely ruled that schools were not allowed to "display religious messages or iconography in public schools."

"A music room should not be a place of discord," said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. "We're pleased that the school has taken action to ensure that student chorus members of minority faiths and no religion feel equally welcomed."

FFRF sent a letter to Superintendent Diane Barrett back in November 2017, asking for the removal of the signs. Most of the posters contained Bible verses, such as: Colossians 3:14 ("Love binds us together in perfect harmony"); Ephesians 5:19 ("Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord"; Jeremiah 29:11 ("For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plants to give you a hope and a future"); and Psalms 42:1 ("As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God"). Another poster contained lyrics from the gospel song "Take My Hand, Precious Lord".

In response to the request, Barrett sent a letter informing the foundation that the posters were removed and "that school staff had been informed on the unconstitutionality of religious displays."

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