LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Gov. Matt Bevin weighed in Thursday on the dollar debate that erupted over Fayette County Public Schools' cash-based answer to displaying "In God We Trust," indicating he believes the move violates the spirit of the new state law.
"Here's the thing, if that's meant to be cute or clever," Bevin said. "What are we hoping to accomplish by trying to circumvent the intention of a law?"
Like Bevin, many across the commonwealth are reacting to FCPS's decision to meet a new state requirement that the national motto be prominently displayed by hanging framed photos showing the back of an enlarged $1 bill.
Superintended Manny Caulk is defending the decision.
That comes after scathing criticism from the sponsor of the legislation, Republican Rep. Brandon Reed, who called the move a "silly loophole."
Reed, an evangelical minister from Hodgensville, said it was "disappointing to see Fayette County Public Schools spend time searching for silly loopholes to a law that passed with broad support from both Democrats and Republicans."
Caulk referenced Reed's statement in one of his own defending the move. saying he was "disappointed to hear Fayette County's compliance with the state law requiring the display of our nation's motto described as a loophole. Our actions are not part of a political game as Representative Reed suggested."
Caulk's statement goes on to question the sincerity of the outrage. "How can that display, used daily in commerce, be acceptable and ours considered unfortunate and silly?"
