Univ.: Student's Cross Necklace Offends Freshmen

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Junior Audrey Jarvis was told that she must remove her Catholic cross jewelry when she's working orientation events for prospective students at Sonoma State University in northern California because they may be concerned that there are Christians attending.  After her First Amendment rights were explained by her lawyer, university officials agreed to apologize.

For background, read University Strips Crosses from Students' Chests and also read University of North Carolina On Trial for Anti-Christian Bias as well as Buffalo NY Univ. Charges Pro-life Students Extra $

In addition, read Obama Administration Muzzles College Students' Moral Speech

-- From "Sonoma State University apologizes for ordering student to remove cross necklace" by Jeremy Hay, Santa Rosa Press Democrat 7/3/13

Jarvis’ attorney, Hiram Sasser, said the San Diego native, who is Catholic, was “told” to remove the necklace because it might offend people and make incoming students feel unwelcome. That was a clear violation of laws governing religious freedoms.

“It would be the same whether it was a Christian cross or a hijab or a yarmulke,” said Sasser, director of litigation for the Liberty Institute in Plano, Texas.

“It was a stupid request and uncalled for and unsubstantiated and the person who did it has admitted all that,” SSU President Ruben Armiñana said Wednesday.

No decisions have been made regarding any disciplinary action.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "University Tells Student to Remove Cross Necklace" by Todd Starnes, Foxnews.com 7/2/13

Sasser said the supervisor told her that the chancellor had a policy against wearing religious items and further explained “that she could not wear her cross necklace because it might offend others, it might make incoming students feel unwelcome, or it might cause incoming students to feel that ASP was not an organization they should join.”

“I was offended because I believe as a Christian woman it is my prerogative to display my faith any way I like so long as it is not harming anyone else,” [Jarvis] said. “I was very hurt and felt as if the university’s mission statement – which includes tolerance and inclusivity to all – was violated.”

On a second encounter, her supervisor told her she should hide the cross under her shirt or remove it.

At that point, Jarvis became so upset she left her student worker job early.

Jarvis said it’s time for people of faith to take a stand.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read the myriad cases of colleges and universities discriminating against Christian students.