Asked in Constitutional Law for Florida

Q: As a student do I have grounds to seek legal action against this because it goes against seperation of church and state.

The state of Florida is requiring schools to put the Motto in God We Trust in a conspicious spot in Florida schools as per recently passed legislation (1003.44).

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: While you definitely can file a lawsuit for declaratory and injunctive relief under the First Amendment Establishment Clause, Courts have generally ruled that the placing of that motto and similar things in public places (and on money) is NOT a First Amendment violation, using what I think is poor logic referencing historical significance of the motto, and opining that the mere display of the motto doesn't force anyone to take any particular religious action or do anything against their beliefs. To determine what, if any, options you have, I suggest you confer with the Florida office of the American Civil Liberties Union, which is located in Miami.

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