NIA Fights State-Mandated Bullying in Public Schools
SB131 was introduced on Monday, January 6, by notorious Republican Dennis Kruse. The bill would force each Indiana public school to prominently display an “In God We Trust” sign in every classroom and library in the state. The government activism wing of NIA, Northern Indiana Atheists Civil and Political Rights Initiative, was able to mobilize within hours of learning the bill was being rushed through committee, and we were ready to challenge it.
NIA President Troy Moss had this to say about the signs: “The public schools in other states that display these “In God We Trust” signs are proud of their bully prevention techniques and declare their schools to be ‘no bully zones’; meanwhile, they bully nonreligious and non-Christian students on a daily basis with these signs. As soon as non-Christian students step foot in a school littered with these religious signs, they are reminded that they are not part of the we mentioned in the motto. Non-Christian families and students do not need to be marginalized any more than they already are. Our public schools should be focusing on civility, inclusion, and equality, not implementing state-mandated bullying.”
It’s important to note that the God referenced on these posters isn’t just a “ceremonial God”—SB131 is part of the Christian Nationalists’ coordinated attack on LGBTQ rights, access to reproductive health care, and religious equality across the nation. It’s obvious which God is being promoted when we know who is trying to sneak these bills through—and why (https://www.blitzwatch.org).
On January 8, just two days after SB131 was introduced, NIA member Maggie Winans rose in opposition. Maggie is a nurse, and her husband is active duty Air Force. She shared with the committee that her two children, ages 10 and 13, have already been bullied for their nonbelief in religion, which she said they came to on their own. Mandating the posters would exclude her children as well as other Americans who do not believe in a God.
NIA has put together a team of members who will read testimony to oppose bills like these and to support bills that fight for religious freedom and equal rights for all Hoosiers. If you are in or around Indianapolis and would like to be on this team, email Troy Moss at President@NorthernIndianaAtheists.com, and let's talk. The more people we have doing this, the louder our voice will be.
Northern Indiana Atheists is a nonprofit established to fight state/church violations on a local level and defend the rights of atheists and other marginalized communities across Northern Indiana.
Membership is open to atheists and our allies who share our vision for a government that represents all citizens equally and our passion for serving our community. Your membership and donations amplify our voice and makes our impact even stronger. Become a member today at NorthernIndianaAtheists.com.