A request to have a chalk drawing of a cross by her children that was located on the grounds of the governor’s residence removed has been categorically rejected by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The chalk artwork generated debate among some organizations after it was uploaded on the governor’s Facebook page and received a flood of positive comments.
Sanders, a practicing Christian and the daughter of former Arkansas politician and pastor Mike Huckabee, has stated her unshakeable commitment to uphold her faith in public. She excitedly shared a picture of her kids’ vibrant cross-shaped artwork on social media with the statement, “New artwork to welcome people into the governor’s mansion!”
This news was received with both approval and criticism. In particular, activists from the group Americans United For Separation of Church and State (AU) expressed their displeasure, believing that the public exhibition might have violated the First Amendment.
A big Latin cross is depicted in the chalk art, which the AU claims could be perceived as endorsing “one religion over others.” In a letter to Sanders dated June 28, the group highlighted their issues. Sanders and her family are entitled to display their beliefs through “religious imagery” in private portions of their home, according to AU, but such representations shouldn’t be permitted on the grounds or the entrance to a government institution.
The Governor gave a swift and clear response to AU’s request. Governor Sanders bravely stated her position in a tweet and a letter, refusing to have the chalk drawing—a symbol of her kids’ pure faith—removed from the mansion’s driveway. The governor responded by saying, “I have received your letter and my response is, ‘No,’” reiterating her adherence to her Christian faith.
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She highlighted in her letter to AU that she thought the group was interpreting the U.S. Constitution incorrectly when it claimed that it “prevents government officials, let alone their families, from making earnest expressions of religious faith.”
Dear @americansunited,
I have received your letter and my answer is no.
I will not erase the beautiful cross my kids drew in chalk on the driveway of the Governor’s Mansion or remove my post on social media, and I will not now or ever hide that I am a Christian.
My letter⬇️ https://t.co/cdt9vJsMUk pic.twitter.com/3pdur4Fdmj
— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) June 30, 2023
Governor Sanders continued to refute AU’s assertions, saying they are asking her to hide her family’s Christian heritage. “You are asking me to ignore that truth and hide a crucial part of my identity and the identity of my kids,” Sanders wrote. “That I will not do.”
Sanders’ unwavering dedication to her faith, her family, and the values that form the very bedrock of America is highlighted by her moving statement. Additionally, Governor Sanders emphasized the value of diversity and inclusivity by making it very apparent that everyone is welcome at the governor’s residence, regardless of their place of worship.
In the end, Governor Sanders’ resolve to keep her Christian faith, even in the face of a political crisis, serves as a motivating reminder to all Christians to maintain their religion. Her determination to speak up serves as an example and reaffirms the idea that religious sentiments ought to be praised rather than suppressed.