Associated Press

The Troy School District plans to mount a display featuring the motto ``In God We Trust'' in all of its school buildings.

The wall-mounted display would also feature the U.S. flag, national and state mottos and other historical and symbolic images, such as the state bird and the national anthem.

Gov. John Engler signed into law Dec. 21 a measure encouraging all state and local governments to display ``In God We Trust'' on public buildings and property.

Troy is the first public school district in Oakland county to agree to post the motto. Troy's city council voted last month to place dedication plaques bearing the phrase on all new municipal buildings.

``We wanted to respond to the legislation but also make it meaningful to our kids,'' district spokesman Tim McAvoy told The Oakland Press. ``This display will be an educational tool as well as a display of national patriotic symbols.''

But Gary Glenn, head of the American Family Association of Michigan, said the district isn't doing enough. His group is pushing schools to display an ``In God We Trust'' poster in every classroom.

``We want every public school student to see an acknowledgment of America's trust in God in their classrooms,'' Glenn said.

Congress has ruled that ``In God We Trust,'' which is printed on some U.S. money, does not violate the separation of church and state provision outlined in the Constitution.

A federal judge in Kansas tossed out an American Civil Liberties Union legal challenge more than a year ago.