South Dakota is one of several states now requiring public schools to put up “In God We Trust” signs, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation is responding with two billboards showing the disappointment of the presidents up on Mount Rushmore.

“There has been such concern expressed by our South Dakota members and from Americans across the country over this misguided law,” comments Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president. Gaylor notes that “In God We Trust” is an outdated and mischief-making motto that was adopted at the height of the Cold War. She calls it divisive, saying it fosters the false perception that piety is somehow equated with patriotism. That perception has bred discriminatory attitudes toward nonbelievers, who are consequently at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to social acceptance.

The billboard won’t change the law. But since it says the religious motto, a public school could theoretically post it in the building and meet the law’s requirements. What better way to teach American history than reminding kids that our founding document wasn’t the Bible for a reason?

