Utah House debates requiring schools to display 'In God We Trust'; amendment to add 'E pluribus unum' fails

Representative Richard Sidaway introduced First Substitute House Bill 79 on Jan. 28, proposing that each public school display the national motto “In God We Trust” in one or more prominent locations.

Sidaway framed the bill as a modest step to reinforce civic history and values in schools, saying the requirement would be minimal to implement and "does no harm.” He noted several district courts had upheld similar displays and that the bill had no fiscal note.

Representative Litvak challenged the measure and offered an amendment to require display of the original national motto, “E pluribus unum,” alongside “In God We Trust.” Litvak described the phrase “In God We Trust” as potentially loaded, raised concerns about an outside organization promoting the posters, and pushed for historical balance. The amendment was put to division and failed (division result recorded as 34 yes and 36 no on the motion to amend). Litvak argued his amendment would provide historical context and reduce perceived religious preference; supporters of the original bill said the requirement had been relaxed to posting in one or more prominent places rather than every classroom.

Several members spoke in favor of the bill, arguing it would reinforce moral values and American heritage; other members urged schools to pair any posting with classroom instruction so students engage with the motto’s history rather than merely seeing a sign on the wall.

The House opened voting on the first substitute of HB79; the provided transcript shows voting was conducted and closed but does not include a final roll call or recorded outcome in the excerpt.

Next steps: voting was completed on the House floor in the provided excerpt but a final tally or the bill’s ultimate disposition is not recorded there.