America's original motto, E Pluribus Unum, was authored by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson and adopted in 1782. It is found on our nation's great seal and on all U.S. coins since 1795.

As of July 2002, Virginia law requires the posting of our newer motto, In God We Trust "prominently and in a conspicuous place” in all schools. This phrase was never suggested by any of our Founders and was not adopted until 1956, during the Red Scare years. Its use on coins began during the Civil War, not the founding period.

Mainstream Loudoun has offered to place our original motto, E Pluribus Unum, in every public school in Loudoun County. The poster is composed of the motto and its translation plus the Statue of Liberty and an array of faces.

Why is the posting of E Pluribus Unum important?

First, E Pluribus Unum means From Many, One and reflects our Founders' strong determination to create a single nation from a collection of states. With the passing of time, this motto has also come to represent America's goal of making one unified nation of people from many different backgrounds, cultures and religious beliefs. Since our founding, our nation has strived for unity while respecting diversity, a challenge we must continue to meet. Posting our original motto will remind our children of this ideal and help them meet this challenge.

Second, students should never feel uncomfortable in a public school solely because of their faith or because they have no faith. In God We Trust, a religious statement of faith, is a constant reminder to many non-Christians of their minority status; E Pluribus Unum, an historical statement of unity, reminds those same students that they are indeed included in our country's heritage. Because a number of students are likely to perceive the posting of In God We Trust as the school's official endorsement of a religion that they do not share, each school should affirm that students of all faiths or no faith are equally welcome. The posting of E Pluribus Unum would achieve this affirmation.

Third, to ignore the motto of our Founding Fathers is to misrepresent our country's history. E Pluribus Unum, our original motto, has not only been part of America's heritage for over 200 years, it represents a uniquely American value. The ideal of the melting pot, of welcoming all who seek freedom, of creating a unified nation of many races, cultures and religions has played a powerful role in our country's history and traditions. Posting E Pluribus Unum would provide historical accuracy. More importantly, it would reinforce our country's heritage of inclusion, especially for those students who are most likely to feel left out.