Pitt County commissioners vote to display “In God We Trust” in superior courtrooms after heated debate

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 15 to place the national motto “In God We Trust” in the county’s superior courtrooms, following a lengthy discussion that divided commissioners and drew testimony from a senior superior court judge.

Commissioner Rochelle Brown brought the item forward as an agenda discussion, saying the phrase is ceremonial and nonpolitical and that an advocacy group offered to cover installation costs. “This is not about compelling faith. It’s not about politics,” Brown said, asking the board to join other North Carolina counties that have already displayed the motto.

Senior resident Superior Court Judge Jeff Foster told the board he supports adding the motto “tastefully” and framed it as consistent with oaths and long-standing civic tradition. “A God We Trust is the official motto of The United States, and I strongly feel it’s fully proper to be displayed tastefully in our superior courtrooms in Pitt County,” Foster said.

Several commissioners urged caution. Commissioner McLaughlin said constituents raised concerns that courthouse displays could contribute to unequal treatment of Black residents and other minorities. “In principle it sounds good, but in practice it has not been fulfilled,” McLaughlin said, arguing the symbolism could undermine confidence in impartiality.

Commissioner Donald urged the board to respect a longstanding separation of church and state and cited the founders’ emphasis on government neutrality. “Symbolic governmental endorsement of religion corrupts fairness,” he said, urging a vote against the display.

Other commissioners struck intermediate positions, recommending further outreach to faith and interfaith leaders and courthouse stakeholders before acting. Commissioner Floyd Huggins and Commissioner Weaver both said they wanted broader public input; Weaver ultimately moved to place the motto in the courtrooms and a colleague seconded the motion.

After a substitute motion to table the discussion failed, the board voted to approve the display. The board did not provide a roll-call tally in the public discussion record; Chair announced that the motion passed and that staff will implement the approved displays consistent with the county’s courtroom decor.

The decision follows public comments earlier in the meeting from residents who urged placement of the motto and from civic leaders who cited tradition; opponents raised concerns about perception and equal treatment for people of differing faiths or no faith.

What happens next: County staff and the chair will coordinate installation details; Commissioner Brown said an advocacy organization offered to cover costs. The board indicated it expects the displays to be installed in the superior courtrooms in the coming weeks or months.