A newly elected county councilwoman in Missouri decided to forgo a traditional biblical swearing in ceremony in lieu of a more Dr. Seuss-themed one.
Democratic Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway, 44, was sworn into the St. Louis County Council with her right hand in the air and her left hand planted firmly on a copy of children’s author Dr. Seuss’s iconic book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Dunaway’s two children, 5-year-old Liam and 7-year-old Bella, held the rhyme-filled hardcover as the now-sitting councilwoman’s role was made official.
“I’m proud and excited to get to work for the 2nd District, and to help rebuild trust in our county government,” Dunaway told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch after her first meeting.
This was the scene last week at the STLCO government center. Democrats took back control of the council and @DunawayKelli was sworn in on a copy of “Oh the Places you’ll go” with her children❤️ so proud to be part of #TeamKelli pic.twitter.com/iJ1dxfZ1Zg
— Brian Wingbermuehle (@winger_brian) August 16, 2019
There is no law requiring elected officials to be sworn into office on a Bible, and the Constitution expressly forbids religious tests “as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”
Dunaway wrote on Facebook that she chose the 1990 book because it aligned with the values of her campaign for office.
“It’s the same reason you all believe in me and our campaign…because I see a brighter future for all of us and am steering myself in the direction of building it!” she said.
Dunaway captured about 60% of the vote in the Aug. 6 special election.
