As an ardent believer in the First Amendment, I firmly stand by its clear mandate: the government must not establish a religion. The separation of church and state is not just language in our Constitution; it is a principle that ensures the government neither supports one religion over another, favors religious practices, nor interferes with the private practice of religion. It is a pillar of our democracy and our freedom.

Recently, there has been a disheartening development where Bibles are being required in public schools all across the country. This goes against the constitutional principles that are at the heart of our democracy, and represents a concerning infringement on religious freedom. The Bible, like any other religious text, should not be compulsory in public education. Schools should be a place for academic growth and cultural understanding, not a platform for promoting any specific religious ideology.

Statistics from the Freedom From Religion Foundation show that 65% of Americans agree that religion should not be taught in public schools (FFRF, 2016). Furthermore, the National Center for Education Statistics highlights that public schools are made up of students from diverse religious backgrounds, further underscoring the need for a secular educational environment (NCES, 2019).

This is not a campaign to ban religion or push against the Bible. Rather, it is to protect and uphold the principles of our Constitution and ensure that every child, regardless of their faith or lack thereof, is given an equal opportunity to thrive in a secular educational environment.

Let's join hands to support religious freedom and maintain the dignity of our public education system. Uphold the First Amendment. Prevent Bibles front being required in Arkansas public schools before it is too late. Sign this petition today.