ACLU OF Ohio Says Jesus Painting In Jackson Schools Must Go

The American Civil Liberties Union has written to a southern Ohio school district challenging the continued display of a large depiction of Jesus that has been at a middle school building since 1947. The ACLU of Ohio said Thursday the painting is unconstitutional, promoting one religion instead of separation of church and state. A Wisconsin-based activist group had written earlier to the school saying the painting hanging above the Jackson Middle School entrance is illegal and should be taken down. During a school board meeting Tuesday night that drew 300 people, superintendent Phil Howard said the painting has historical significance and will stay put. He received strong backing from most in the crowd. Jackson is some 70 miles south of Columbus.