A Ten Commandments plaque dating back to the 1920’s has been removed from an Ohio middle school after complaints from an atheist organization. The plaque had been on display for 92 years at Welty Middle School in New Philadelphia until a concerned parent reportedly complained about it. The parent contacted the Freedom From Religion Foundation which on April 12 sent a letter to the school district. The letter stated that the plaque was a "fragrant violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment." "The district’s promotion of the Judeo-Christian bible and religion over nonreligion impermissibly turns any non-Christian or non-believing student into an outsider," the letter said. "Schoolchildren already feel significant pressure to conform to their peers. They must not be subjected to similar pressure from their schools, especially on religious questions." The district’s superintendent highlighted the importance of the plaque and its history at the school. In a statement to The Times-Reporter , New Philadelphia Schools Superintendent David Brand said, "Since receiving the letter, the District has gathered more information, listened to interested community members, and reviewed its options," As background, the plaque was a gift from the Class of 1926 to the District in 1927. To […]
