Religious reference removed from public school teacher’s email signature in Florida (December 23, 2019)

A Bay County School District teacher has removed a religious reference from his email signature as it constituted an inappropriate endorsement of religion.

A district parent reported that a music teacher at Deane Bozeman School in Panama City was sending emails from his school account with a religious message in the signature line. Every email received by the complainant included the message, ā€œTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6.ā€

FFRF Attorney Chris Line wrote to the districtā€™s attorney asking that the signature be removed so as not to create the impression of school endorsement of religion. The districtā€™s attorney responded to the complaint, informing FFRF that the religious reference has been removed from the teacherā€™s district email signature.

Freedom From Religion Foundation