Prayer in school = Bad. “God is dead” art work = Good.

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. – A parent in Newton County is concerned about art work hanging on a classroom wall. One picture in the Alcovy High School has words that say, “God is dead.”

The Newton County School System says language arts students made the drawings from a quote in Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible”. The pictures were posted as part of student art work for several years without receiving a complaint.

“The student was not reflecting religious preferences. Basically, he’s just reflecting a quote in the book,” said Sherri Davis-Viniard, Newton County School System’s spokesperson.

As for the classroom teacher, the school system spokeswoman says, by law, administrators cannot inquire about a teacher’s religious beliefs.

“We can’t hire or fire based on religious preference.  We’re not even allowed to ask,” Davis-Viniard said.

Crystal Mitchell says the words and the images upset her 10th grade daughter.

“If my child can’t pray in school and they’ve taken religion out of school, for this to be plastered on the walls of the public school is a huge concern to me,” said Mitchell.