JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio

Shortly after the beginning of the year the city of Steubenville worked with local artist Mark Nelson to create a new logo.

The logo appears on city paperwork and at the entrance of Belleview Park and at the MLK Center.

However, the city was recently contacted by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. out of Madison, Wis., asking that it be removed.

A Steubenville citizen had contacted the organization, complaining about the cross and silhouette of the chapel from Franciscan University being on the logo.

City Law Director Gary Repella said there was meaning behind each element placed in the logo.

"He (Nelson) wanted to take different important aspects of our city, and Franciscan University obviously has grown so much and we wanted to represent them in our logo," said Repella.

Residents NEWS9 spoke with said they have never noticed the logo's religious elements, but once it was brought to their attention they had different reactions.

"I know the college gives a lot to Steubenville, and you got to take that into consideration. But, you also got to keep everything in line and if somebody complains you got to put that into perspective," said Sam Busic.

"I think it's silly, the college does a lot for this city. If it wasn't for the college there wouldn't be a whole lot in this city," said Scott Pasco.

Repella said despite the university's contributions, they have to follow constitutional law and the separation of church and state.

"The city is going to contact Mark Nelson and redesign the logo and take out the silhouette of the chapel and cross. We'll replace it with another landmark from the university," said Repella.

Franciscan University spokesperson Tom Sofio said all of the buildings erected on the campus within the last 20 years have an Italian architectural design that would be characteristic of the university.

However, Sofio added that the chapel with its cross is the school's official logo and is instantly recognizable worldwide due to the school's international reputation.