In the light of club week, multiple AHS organizations have created beautiful murals to cover our school’s walls. One of them, however, has caused a bit of a stir among our students and staff.

iLive, a Christian based group, painted a large, towering cross, directly above a water fountain in E Hall. While many appreciate the image, some believe that this is a violation of public school law.  Coach Alan Austin, the sponsor for both the Coexist club and iLive, disagrees with this sentiment.

“Our constitution does separate church and state,” Austin said. “However, this is a voluntary organization and students are not required to participate.”

So, while the mural is still a point of controversy, Austin still believes that his club and the painting are protected under the first amendment, which includes freedom of religious expression.