Saturday, February 24, 2007

Witch and Devil Costumes OK. Jesus Not Allowed.

From "Lawsuit Claims School Prevented Boy From Wearing Jesus Costume for Halloween" by The Associated Press 2/22/07

Philadelphia -- A Christian legal group has sued a school district on behalf of a 10-year-old-boy who claims his rights to religion and free speech were violated when he was not allowed to wear a Jesus costume during Halloween activities.

The complaint, filed in federal court Tuesday by the Alliance Defense Fund, says officials at Willow Hill Elementary School in suburban Glenside told the boy Oct. 31 that he could not wear his faux crown of thorns or tell others he was dressed as Jesus.

The principal, Patricia Whitmire, told the boy's mother that the costume violated a policy prohibiting the promotion of religion, according to the lawsuit. Whitmire suggested that the fourth-grader, whose costume included a robe, identify himself as a Roman emperor, the suit states.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE 11/1/08: From "Eighth-Grade Boy Sent Home From School for Jesus Christ Halloween Costume" by The Associated Press

Alex Woinski, an eighth-grader at West Brook Middle School in Paramus [New Jersey], was sent home from school on Friday because of his costume.

Alex, who has shoulder-length brown hair, wore a white robe, a red sash, sandals, a fake beard and a crown of thorns.

Alex's mother is Catholic, and his father is Jewish.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.