HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Bible verses painted in a Western Kentucky school restroom to cover up graffiti have been removed after a parent complained to school officials.
Dr. Bob Lovingood, the superintendent of Christian County Public Schools, directed that the Scriptures be covered up last week, the Kentucky New Era of Hopkinsville reported.
A parent had complained to Lovingood, saying the Scriptures in a Christian County Middle School girls' restroom violated students' constitutional rights.
The Scriptures were painted during the recent winter break by middle school volunteers. Over three days they replaced vulgar images and profanity with upbeat art and inspirational messages.
One of the renderings quoted Psalms 45:11, which reads, "So the King will greatly desire your beauty; because He is your Lord, worship Him."
The school's principal, Larry Cavanah, granted permission to the teachers and students to undertake the project because he understood it simply to be an attempt at school beautification.
The girls' restroom had become an eyesore with unflattering graffiti on nearly every surface. Custodians had painted over the graffiti but it would return almost overnight.
When Cavanah saw the makeover after winter break, he realized it had religious content.
Lovingood consulted with the school district's attorney, Jack Lackey Jr., who advised the removal of the verses.
Cavanah did not protest.
"I admire people who stand up for their faith," he said. "But the law is very clear. You can't promote one religion over another."
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
