The trustees of the Morton Grove Library rejected a $3,000 donation from the “Friendly Atheist,” Hemant Mehta, because they believe he’s “a hate group.”

The controversy began when Park Commissioner Dan Ashta refused to to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance at a board meeting because, he told the Morton Grove Champion, he believes the words “one nation under God” violate the First Amendment separation of church and state, and “I have an obligation as an elected official to uphold the Constitution.”

American Legion Post 134, which typically donated $2,600 to the Parks District, responded by saying it “will be withholding funds from the park district until such time that everyone rises for the pledge.” Post 134 believes that sitting during the Pledge is “disrespectful to all veterans that have been willing to sacrifice their lives for this country and it is a great dishonor to all servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and died for this country.”

At this point, “Friendly Atheist” Mehta solicited donations from his readers to make up for the shortfall, successfully raising $3,044.06. He sent the Morton Grove Park District a check in this amount on November 12, but as of November 21 the check had not been cashed.

More: Chicago-Area Library Rejects $3,000 Donation From Atheist Blogger Because He Is ‘A Hate Group’