Atheists Demand School Remove This Painting That Has Been on Display for 18 Years—But They Weren’t Expecting This Fight...

Charisma News : Oct 23, 2014
Staff – Charisma News

The school has "flatly refused" to remove the painting which depicts "two children with their hands clasped in prayer, with an American flag background."

(Oklahoma City, OK)—Kenneth Cooper Middle School is being threatened with legal action unless it removes a painting that depicts two children praying, which has hung at the school for more than 18 years. (Photo of painting via Putnam County School District)

To its credit, the Putnam County School District has flatly refused to remove the artwork. District officials said no one had ever complained about until a letter was received from the secularist Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), which is based in Wisconsin.

Even though school officials insist that no specific religion or message is promoted through the print that hangs in the school, the FFRF claims the painting discriminates against children who choose not to pray, according to a report Wednesday on onenewsnow.com.

"It is our information and understanding that in the Kenneth Cooper Middle School office hangs a religious poster with an image entitled, 'Faith in America' by Donald Zolan," stated FFRF staff attorney Andrew Seidel to begin his plea for the print's removal. "The image features two children with their hands clasped in prayer, with an American flag background."

Seidel contended that even if the young boy and girl portrayed in the painting are not actually praying—but merely clasping their hands together—the existence of the painting at the school would still violate the First Amendment, calling for it to be purged from campus.

In response, a lawyer for the school district pointed out to the FFRF attorney that his atheistic organization, which is generally opposed to religious freedom, stands alone in its contention that the painting poses a problem on campus.

"The poster complained of has hung in the school office for 18 years without a complaint, prior to your letter," declared Putnam County School District Attorney Anthony Childers on behalf of the entire district. "To date, the district has not received any complaint from any resident, student or patron of the district who believes that the image conveys an improper religious message."