A new survey found almost half of college students think the phrase ‘In God We Trust’ should be removed from American currency, with over two-thirds of Democratic-leaning students favoring its elimination.
The poll, commissioned by The College Fix, found 53% said the motto should remain, while 45% believed it should be removed.
Female students were slightly more opposed to the motto staying on currency, whereas male students overwhelmingly supported it. Over 90% of students who said they lean Republican favored keeping the motto, and a majority of students identifying as Independent agreed.
Students who opposed the motto argued it violated the separation of church and state.
“We live in a secular nation, not a theocracy. Best to remove,” said one Clemson University student.
Others argued for making the motto more inclusive.
“I don’t think it needs to be removed, but it should be a lower case g — ‘god.’ I think that’s a much more open saying that fits with freedom of religion,” said a UMass Amherst student.
The motto first appeared on coins in 1864, and a 1955 law mandated its appearance on all currency. It has faced numerous challenges in court.
In June, the Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging the motto’s appearance on currency. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals had previously determined the phrase “does not compel citizens to engage in a religious observance.”
The poll, which surveyed 1,001 students across the country, was conducted earlier this month by College Pulse, an online analytics company.
