New Mexico public school paints over mural with Biblical quote following complaint from atheist group

A public school in New Mexico has painted over a mural that includes a biblical quote following a complaint from a prominent atheist group that advocates for the separation of church and state.

The Clovis Municipal School District decided to paint over a mural on a public school hallway wall that features an anchor and a dove along with a biblical inscription after receiving a letter from the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF).

The organization, which boasts of 29,000 members across the U.S. including more than 240 members in New Mexico, said that it heard about the mural from a concerned parent. "They felt that the school shouldn't be doing this and we agreed," said FFRF representative Chris Line.

The biblical quote in question reads, "hope anchors the soul - Hebrews 6:19," according to the letter from FFRF.

"The district violates the Constitution when it allows schools to display religious symbols or messages. Public schools may not advance, prefer or promote religion," the letter stated.

The letter, dated Aug. 15, warned that courts have continually held that school districts are not allowed to display religious messages or iconography in public schools.

The atheist group argued that the display was "particularly inappropriate" because it alienates nonreligious students. The organization went on to ask the district to remove the mural to adhere to a neutrality toward religion.

The group further claimed that the display violates the Constitution by "creating the appearance that the District prefers religion over nonreligion and Christianity over all other faiths."

In response to the FFRF's complaint, Clovis Municipal Schools Superintendent Jody Balch advised via email that the school was working on painting over the display.

The mural was reportedly painted in 2013 in the halls of the Freshman Academy by a former art teacher. The school painted over the display within 24 hours of receiving the complaint, according to KRQE News 13.

Most people interviewed by KRQE News 13 in Clovis said that they were not offended by the mural. "As far as being on a wall at my school I'd have no problems with that," said Clovis resident Kim Caine.

Following the removal of the mural, the FFRF commended the district for its quick response regarding the issue.

"We are pleased that the school district reacted with alacrity to remedy this violation," FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said in a statement. "This action ensures that all of its students—of any religious background or no religious background—feel welcome and included," she added.