FFRF removes cross from PS 76 Q, NYC (July 18, 2012)

Earlier this spring, FFRF received a complaint from a New York resident who reported that one of the science teachers at Public School 76 Queens (a NYC public school) displayed a cross on the wall next to the blackboard. This display also included the words "love god."

FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote to the principal of the school on May 8, 2012, that "it is well settled that public schools may not advance, prefer or promote religion." She added "courts have continually held that school districts may not display religious messages or iconography on the walls..." Markert asked the district to "take immediate action to remove the cross..."

On July 18 the principal responded that "the item has been removed."