(NewsNation) — Schools in Louisiana will soon be required to display a sign with the motto “In God We Trust” in every classroom in public schools.

Previously, the state required the national motto to be displayed on a sign somewhere in each school, but legislation sponsored by state Rep. Dodie Horton expanded it to every classroom. The law also sets a minimum 11- by 14-inch size for each poster and mandates the phrase be in an easily understandable font.

“Our national motto, “In God We Trust,” reflects the sentiment of our beloved America,” Horton told NewsNation. “Although it doesn’t teach a specific religion, it does tell the world that our country was founded on biblical principles, values and that we trust in the one true God! This is the positive message that our children need to receive each and every school day. A message of hope in a better tomorrow.”

Schools are not required to pay for the posters and are allowed to accept donations.

The law is set to go into effect on Aug. 1, though there have been objections from those who say it violates the separation of church and state.

“When we plaster large religious slogans all over the school, I think we are sending a message of exclusion to some of our students and that’s the last thing our public schools should be doing,” said Rob Boston, a senior advisor with Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Some critics have already begun efforts to push back against the law, with activist Chaz Stevens creating and donating posters that include “In God We Trust” written in different languages, posters with a rainbow background to support LGBTQ+ students and posters with pentagrams on them.

Horton dismissed concerns regarding the separation of church and state, noting the national motto is printed on money.

Gov. John Bel Edwards also signed a law that would allow public schools to teach an elective course on the Bible’s history and literature.

Stephanie Haines contributed to this report.