Parkersburg South High School Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

W.Va. School Removes Bible Verse from Gym, Shirts

Wood County school officials have removed a Bible verse from Parkersburg South High School’s gymnasium and the school wrestling team’s website.

The team’s use of Philippians 4:13 drew a complaint earlier this month from the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation. The verse states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Wood County Superintendent Pat Law says the verse has been removed from the team’s website, which linked to the school’s website.

The verse also was painted above the doors to the wrestling room in the gym and appeared on the team’s T-shirts. Law says the verse in the gym was painted over yesterday.

The foundation’s attorney, Patrick Elliott, says public schools can’t endorse religion.

High School Wrestling Team T-shirts Questioned

Wood County school officials have asked their lawyers to review a wrestling team’s T-shirts that bear a Bible verse on the back.

Superintendent Pat Law said the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation complained about the Parkersburg South High School team’s T-shirts to school officials.

The verse states, “I can do all things through Him that strengthens me.”

Law said the group’s complaint alleges that the shirts violate the federal separation of church and state.

Law said school officials don’t want to infringe on anyone’s right to practice their religion. But he says courts repeatedly have said public institutions such as schools can’t promote a religion.

Attorney Bill Merriman represents one of the wrestlers and his parents. He said wrestlers’ parents bought the T-shirts.

Parkersburg South Teacher Responds to Suspension Over Facebook Post

Editor’s Note: Dave Mistich is graduate of Parkersburg South High School and was a student of David Foggin while enrolled there.

A Parkersburg South High School teacher has been suspended following a Facebook post he made regarding the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance student club.

Wood County Schools Superintendent Pat Law tells the Parkersburg News and Sentinel that David Foggin was suspended on Tuesday for four days.

Law says the Wood County school board will decide whether the suspension is paid or unpaid, or whether to make any changes.

The newspaper says Foggin posted an image on Facebook of a poster advertising the club’s meetings, along with a comment stating, “We are also considering a drunks-t totaller club, drugged/sober club, smokeless tobacco vs smokes club, street racing, and deer poaching clubs.”

In the midst of growing attention to the situation, Foggin made this post Tuesday:

Foggin owns and operates a side business selling guns and ammunition south of Parkersburg in Belleville, W.Va.

When asked to comment on the controversy and suspension, Foggin responded to a text message from West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Dave Mistich with the following:

“As a former student u can truthfully write the interview urself. U know my love of my students and my stance on equality and fair treatment. If a student need someone to turn to for any situation they face in their life, I hope they know the staff at pshs is always there for them. I also feel their parents/guardians should be aware they are seeking guidance and they maybe trained, licensed counselors should be involved.”

Parkersburg South High School principal Tom Eschbacher declined comment Wednesday afternoon and referred questions to the Wood County Board of Education’s central office.

A secretary for county superintendent Dr. Pat Law said their office could not provide additional comment due to the fact that Foggin’s suspension is under investigation.