Wisconsin Senate Bill SB53

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/25
• Refer: 2/21/25

Caption

Requiring the display of the national motto in public schools and on public buildings. (FE)

Impact

The bill is expected to alter state laws regarding the requirements for public buildings and educational institutions by officially integrating the national motto into their physical environments. By enforcing this mandate, the legislation seeks to promote the national motto as a source of moral and civic pride. Additionally, the requirement extends to charter schools, aligning them with public schools in terms of displaying the motto, thereby ensuring a consistent legal framework across educational institutions.

Summary

Senate Bill 53 mandates the display of the national motto, 'In God We Trust,' in all public schools and buildings across Wisconsin. This requirement extends to both state-owned and local governmental properties, necessitating that the motto be visible in a legible font and maintain a certain size (at least 11 inches by 14 inches). The bill specifies that these displays should be implemented within six months of the bill's effective date, ensuring quick compliance from government agencies and entities.

Contention

Despite the apparent intention of fostering patriotic values, the bill has stirred considerable debate. Critics argue that it could infringe upon the separation of church and state by promoting a religiously suggestive statement in public spheres. Some community members worry that such mandates may lead to unnecessary expenditures for public institutions, especially considering the variety of existing decor and educational resources already in use. Moreover, this legislation may face scrutiny from advocacy groups that prioritize secularism in public spaces.