By Nicole Rusher

Is the United States of America a Christian nation?

State Sen. Chris Buttars says it is. However, state Rep. David Litvack, who is Jewish, said that would be a hurtful statement.

Regardless, Utah public schools are now required to display "In God We Trust," according to a bill passed Friday.

Sherie Johnson, a senior at Utah State graduating in political science, said, "I can't see making schools put that up. Maybe allowing it, but not forcing it."

"Since they took 'under God' out of the Pledge of Allegiance, this just seems wrong to me," said Jerome Dennis, a sophomore on the Utah State football team.

Litvack's proposed alternative was to display the original motto, "E Pluribus Unum," or "One in Many." It was rejected.

Supporters said the bill would make children more aware that the Declaration of Independence was "divinely inspired."

"What about the people that don't believe in God?" asked Johnson.

"I think we should have blimps in the sky that say "In God We Trust," but it needs to be understood that we don*t all believe the same so we can*t broadcast it like that," said Dennis.

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