Student fights to wear Wiccan necklace

Associated Press ^ | September 5, 2002

[Salvation]

In the district in which I work some symbols are forbidden because they are connected with gangs. This could fall under that.

[isthisnickcool]

What next? Is someone going to insist that Nudism is a religion? And allow the kids to attend gov't school naked?

And, if I recall correctly, when some young boys hit puberty they discover something they are somewhat "religious" about. Are the gov't schools going to allow them to display this "worshipped" item outside their clothes too?

[gracie1]

The court has considered all of these things. The state must prove a compelling interest in banning a religious practice. That's why we don't allow human sacrafice. Peyote is only allowed on reservations under specific circumstances as part of documented historical tribal practices. But simply wearing a symbol, if she can take the heat she'll get (remember, Texas is in the Bible Belt) it's an issue between her and her parents.

[Tailgunner Joe]

Emblem of the Falun Gong

[al_c]

Naturally, the display of a Star of David and Crucifix are banned as well. Freedom of religion does not apply to Christians only.

I've been following this story ... the school's code clearly states no pentagrams. It does not say anything about a crucifix or star of David.

Last I heard this morning was that she was allowed back into the school but the pentagram (let's call it what it is, shall we?) must remain hidden.

[gdani]

The abolishment of prayer IS a First Amendment violation (free speech). The schools have been violating the First for years.

Fine. Name just one school that does not allow prayer - silent or out loud. Or, provide just one link to such a news story.

By the way, it doesn't count if:

1) The school reversed it's policy.
2) The school was sued over the issue and lost.
3) The prayer we are talking about is *legitimately* disruptive i.e. out loud in class.

That's not to say that there aren't some stupid public schools out there that have tried out to violate students' rights out of ignorance. There are. However, they always either reverse their policy when challenged or are sued and lose.

[Lady Heron]

"If it rotates the opposite way it's a Christian symbol, a variation of a cross."

The swastika was never a Christian symbol. It was a pagan symbol, I think Indian in origin.

[31R1O]

Ha, ha, ha, lol.

[MD_Willington_1976]

I have seen swastikas in a picture of a Buddhist temple, the picture was in a National Geographic magazine from the 70's or 80's.

[Britton J Wingfield]

I mean just because you have a belief doesnt make it a religion, I believe that to be considered a religion it has to have some organization and participation by others in it....

Wicca is obviously a religion shared by many, judging by the amount of hysterical threads devoted to it on this board.

[maxwell]

In the district in which I work some symbols are forbidden because they are connected with gangs. This could fall under that.

Yep, I think that's more the point than association with any particular religion, as some folks have been bickering back and forth about here...

Pentograms, swastikas, and drug-oriented jewelry have been banned. Sounds as though the school is trying to keep a handle on associations with subversive activities more than anything else. Wearing a cross or a Star ain't associated with any subversive activity. Pentograms (or whathaveyou) are-- many folks think "baby sacrifice" or something...

[ikka]

Banning this item doesn't violate the establishment clause. Further there is the question of whether there can be a federal case, since the last time I checked schools were local government, not federal government.

[JudyB1938]

What if I make up a religion that requires me to go nude in public?

Somebody beat you to it. It's called PETA.

[gdani]

Further there is the question of whether there can be a federal case, since the last time I checked schools were local government, not federal government.

That question is no longer a question. It was decided a long time ago (although I understand a lot of people aren't happy about the outcome).

[Dead Corpse]

Obviously ikka has never heard of the NEA and the Department of Education.

[TBP]

If we're going to fight for Christian religious freedom, including the freedom to express Christian religious views in school -- and we should -- then we have to fight for everyone's right to express tehir views, as long as they respect everyone else's rights. Otherwise, it's not a principle, it's a preference.

[sayfer bullets]

One more reason why schools should not be government-run.

Once the school either sanctions or denies a religious practice of one group, the slope starts down.

I'm reminded, for some reason, of the Police officer who was disciplined for wearing a cross on his uniform. This is not much different.

Be consistent.

[RonF]

They can't decide away the First Amendment.

Actually, I believe that they can, at least for school kids on government property. For example, school authorities can edit the school paper, they can ban certain publications from school property, etc.

[goodieD]

darnit! I don't want to join them... I'll stay clothed (to the massive relief of the general population)

[spunkets]

"The swastika was never a Christian symbol. It was a pagan symbol,"

It was both. When I was a kid I was taught about Christian Crosses. The counter rotating swastica was used by some orders in eastern Europe. I forgot the details. Here's some links.

crosses

heraldica