THE NEW TOLERANCE: Purdue University Refuses to Engrave ‘God’ on Donor’s Plaque.

Dr. Michael McCracken and his wife made a donation to the university in 2012, and was asked to provide an inscription for the dedication plaque, which was to be posted at the recently renovated Herrick Laboratories.

“To those who seek to better the world through the understanding of God’s physical laws and innovation of practical solutions,” the plaque was to read. “In honor of Dr. William ‘Ed’ and Glenda McCracken.”

Last October, university officials informed McCracken that it would not be utilizing the submitted language as they wished to avoid the appearance of promoting religion.

No word yet whether the university bookstore gives customers change bearing the words “In God We Trust.”

Connecting God to the study of science is not unknown in government-produced inscriptions. See, for example, Psalm 19:1 inscribed above the statue of Science in the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress.