CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- A religious poster is at the center of a campaign controversy in a Clay County elementary school.
One student council candidate at Thunderbolt Elementary has posted signs that state, "Jesus Loves You; Lexi For Prez."
The message at the Fleming Island public school has raised a few eyebrows and prompted an letter to the school's principal.
The poster was made by 11-year-old Lexi Hayward, who is running for student council president. She said she is not trying to offend anyone but wants to promote her beliefs.
"My friends say it's cool, and they'll vote for me and stuff," Lexi said.
However, not everyone thought the poster was a good idea. An anonymous letter, sent to the principal from a parent who said he or she is a Christian but frustrated, said that allowing the religious message is wrong and "scary."
"It kind of doesn't surprise me because I understand that people don't have the same religion as me, but I don't think that's a reason to go up to the principal," Lexi said.
Clay County school officials said because a student made the poster and it is not offensive, it is all right for school.
"It's a poster created by a student, not by the school, not by the district," Clay County spokeswoman Darlene Mahla. "It doesn't insult anyone. Again, it's not inflammatory and it's not what the law calls school sponsored speech."
Most parents outside of Thunderbolt on Monday said they don't think the poster is a problem, but some said they understand the dilemma.
"I can see where, you know, no matter what you put up it's going to offend somebody," said one parent.
"I actually think it's a great thing. I don’t think religion is incorporated enough in today's education," said another parent.
"My friend told me that this dude said it's a little cheesy, but I don't listen to that kind of stuff," Lexi said.
The posters at the school won't be up much longer because the school election is on Tuesday.
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