An El Paso County School Board / Colorado School District 49 has taken a significant step in supporting the values and desires of the majority of parents within their district. In a vote of 3 to 2, the board has passed a resolution encouraging schools to teach more American history and display the national motto, "In God We Trust," in classrooms.

Board Vice President Jamilynn D'Avola initially introduced the resolution during a board meeting last month. While the original language required teachers to display the national motto in every classroom, the board modified the resolution to "encourage" rather than mandate the displays, aligning with a resolution passed by the Colorado State Board of Education in 2000.

The three board members who voted in favor of the resolution, Board Vice President Jamilynn D'Avola, Lori Thompson, and Deb Schmidt, emphasized that the national motto is an integral part of the nation's history.

The three highlighted the fact that former President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a law making "In God We Trust" the national motto, established a National Day of Prayer, and added the phrase "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance.

D'Avola, who initially introduced the resolution during a board meeting last month, also cited the religious beliefs of the Founding Fathers, underscoring how their faith played a central role in shaping the principles on which the United States is founded.

School District 49, covering northeast Colorado Springs and the unincorporated community of Falcon, stands as the 11th largest district in the state, serving over 26,000 students.

Supporters of the resolution emphasized that displaying the national motto is not an attempt to impose any particular religious belief.

Opponents, however, raised concerns about the separation of church and state as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. They expressed worries that such displays would alienate students who do not believe in God.

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Board President Lori Thompson, who had the final say on the matter, made it clear that she values free speech and was never in favor of mandating the display of the national motto by schools or teachers.

As a result of the board's decision, school administrators and teachers now have the option to display the national motto in their classrooms.

Furthermore, Vice President Jamilynn D'Avola expressed her intention to hang an "In God We Trust" poster behind the board's dais, symbolizing the district's commitment to preserving America's heritage and values.