A Ten Commandments plaque previously displayed at Harding High School may find a new home in the community following a discussion between Marion City Schools administrators and concerned students.
The plaque, a gift from the Harding Class of 1953, is currently in storage after it was removed earlier this year over concerns that it could bring legal trouble for the district.
Superintendent Gary Barber and a group of students who feel strongly about the plaque’s removal met Wednesday morning. Both sides agreed to meet again on January 6, 2015 and start discussing where to display the plaque in the community.
Barber said he and students will work with faith-based ministers and others in the community to discuss an appropriate home for the plaque. The superintendent said it would be a community discussion as students and administrators work together to find a resolution.
Harding removed the display in August after watching other Ohio school districts face legal challenges to their decision to keep the Ten Commandments posted. Barber said that several people had questioned the display of the Ten Commandments in a public school in the past.
“The district does believe in promoting positive values as allowed within the constraints of the law,” said Kurt Moore, Marion City Schools Communication Coordinator. “We teach our students how to be better citizens through programs like Leader in Me and Positive Behavior Interventions and Support, which both teach positive values.”
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