Politics
Tuesday December 6, 2005
Sikh Sacred Band OK but Crucifix No Way says UK School
Hanukkah Songs Permitted but Christmas Carols Forbidden in Wisconsin
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By Terry Vanderheyden and John-Henry Westen
LONDON, December 6, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A British schoolgirl was sent home yesterday for refusing to remove a crucifix she has worn regularly for three years.
Sam Morris, 16, was told to go home Monday after a school official failed to convince her to remove the religious article; the same school allows Sikh children to wear a Kara, a bracelet worn by reverent Sikhs.
Deputy head teacher Howard Jones of Sinfin Community School in Derby said, “There was a long period of persuasion with her and she was given time. It was only at the end of that that I reluctantly had to exclude her for a day,” according to the Drudge Report. “I met with her mother today and readmitted her daughter.” Jones said the strict jewellery prohibition was for student’s safety.
He argued that “As a Christian I don't have to wear a crucifix but Sikhs don’t have that option and we have to be understanding. We live in a multi-faith society.”
The girl’s mother, Debra Saunders, described her daughter’s treatment as “unfair.” “Sam has worn this necklace for more than three years and it is of great sentimental value to her. No-one has told her to take it off before and she doesn't want to. She thinks it is very unfair when other people are allowed to wear religious symbols and it just ends up creating a divide between the pupils when everyone is told they should be living in unity.”
Meanwhile in Wisconsin, the Glendale-River Hills School District has expressly prohibited any song close to the Christmas holiday from having any religious “motive or theme.” While banning Christian Christmas songs, the district permits secular holiday songs as well as songs celebrating Hanukkah.
Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel, which is representing the mother of a child in the school district stated: “The intent of the school district’s policy is clear – “Frosty the Snowman” is in, “My Dreidel” is in, “Silent Night” is out. How much more ridiculous can it get when 96% of Americans celebrate Christmas, but the school district pretends like Christmas is merely a ghost of Christmas past.”
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