Lawmakers urge end to Pennsylvania ban on public school teachers wearing religious symbols

[The Straight Story]

Lawmakers urge end to Pennsylvania ban on public school teachers wearing religious symbols

PITTSBURGH — Two state lawmakers are proposing to change a section of Pennsylvania law that bars public school teachers from wearing religious symbols in the classroom.

State Reps. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, and Will Tallman, R-Adams County, told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that only Pennsylvania and Nebraska still have such bans.

The lawmakers say the 1895 law was adopted at a time of great prejudice against Catholics and Jews.

Under the law, a public school teacher who wears a cross, yarmulke or other religious symbol in the classroom could be suspended from teaching for one year, and multiple offenses could lead to permanent disqualification. School board members could be held criminally liable for failing to enforce the prohibition.

In 2003, teacher's aide Brenda Nichol was told by Armstrong-Indiana Intermediate Unit 28 that she could not wear a cross necklace. After she was suspended, she filed suit in federal court in Pittsburgh, and the two sides settled after a judge said the policy showed "hostility toward religion" and probably violated Nichols' free-speech rights. Nichol, 52, who holds the same job and wears the cross, said the statute should be repealed.

http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/58c01fd511b04e88a2820201ae4b051b/PA--Classroom-Religious-Garb/

[atreides1]

1. This will work

Up until the time a teacher wears a Pentagram or a Thor's Hammer...because paganism isn't a "real" religion!

[hobbit709]

2. How about a colander?

[MineralMan]

3. The ban is unconstitutional. While teachers may not proselytize,

there is no reason they should alter their dress. A cross necklace or head wear appropriate for their faith should not be banned. The law should be changed. It if it not, the courts will make it clear that schools may not impose such restrictions.

Disclaimer: I am an atheist.

[LiberalEsto]

6. Wearing a crucifix is not mandatory for Christians

The reason some wear them is to show their religion.

I think banning religious symbols for teachers is entirely appropriate and necessary.

[MineralMan]

8. Not mandatory, but that's not the issue.

Many people feel like wearing a religious symbol keeps them reminded of their faith. I can't see how that impacts anyone else. And then, there's the kippah or yarmulke, also a religious symbol. Would you make people remove them, too.

People have a right to wear such things if they wish. The courts have been firm on that over the years. You can't demand that someone not wear a religious symbol, simply because you disagree with that religion. I don't find such things offensive in any way.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

4. First thought of mine: ''Bad law. Way excessive and intrusive.''

And, lo and behold, its origins were 19th century religious bigotry.

Not what many were expecting when clicking on the thread, I bet.

[RZM]

5. The law probably does need to go

There probably aren't many Sikh teachers in Pennsylvania, but if there are, this law would not be fair to them.

[badhair77]

7. I wore a cross necklace at times and never had a complaint.

I know others who wore a Star of David and there were no problems either. Sounds as if it's an issue in specific districts.