Teacher Ordered to Remove ‘Religious’ Banners After Nearly 30 Years

Written on September 16, 2011 by The Godfather

After an initial court victory, a high school math teacher lost his battle to keep his “God” banners displayed in his classroom. A federal appeals court ruled on September 13, 2011 that Bradley Johnson’s First Amendment rights were not violated when he was asked by the school district to take down a series of religious banners.

Mr. Johnson had banners hanging in his classroom at Westview High School in San Diego, Calif., for more than 30 years with phrases like “In God We Trust,” “All Men Are Created Equal,” and “They Are Endowed by Their Creator.” Another sign contained the words “In God We Trust,” “One Nation Under God,” “God Bless America,” and “God Shed His Grace On Thee.” Each of these postings is part of America’s religious history, in particular, America’s Christian history. Read More in Godfather Politics.

This is far more serious than a mere violation of free speech of first amendment rights, it is a violation of the freedom of religion, i.e., the restriction of personal beliefs allowed to be displayed.