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Article Specs
Article ID: 2046
VoxAcct: 1
Section: white
Age Group: Adult
Days Up: 5,992
Times Read: 33,536
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Wearing a Pentacle in School
Author: Wren
Posted: October 15th. 1997
Times Viewed: 33,536
Dear School Administrator,
We have received a copy of an excerpt from your school district's "(Name of District) Student Conduct Code" which we find very disturbing. The excerpt is quoted:
"The following specific types of speech, dress or expression are prohibited:
Representations of satanic activity that constitute lewd, indecent, or vulgar speech including, but not limited to, representations of killing or sacrificing animals or humans, pentagrams, up-side down crosses or the number 666."
The inclusion of the "pentagram" in this listing is not only inappropriate, it is incorrect. We have enclosed the "F.A.Q's of Witchcraft" in this package for your consideration. The pentagram (pentacle) is a very ancient symbol denoting knowledge and wisdom. It is also the chosen symbol of those who practice the religion of Witchcraft or Wicca. It is a symbol worn for the very same reason that a Christian would wear a cross.
The more important issue here though is that this "policy" of the (School District Name) places your District in serious violation of the "Equal Access Act." This document was sent out to all school administrators in 1995. If you do not have your copy readily available, we have enclosed one in this package. The relevant portion is quoted below:
"Student garb: Students may display religious messages on items of clothing to the same extent that they are permitted to display other comparable messages. Religious messages may not be singled out for suppression, but rather are subject to the same rules as generally apply to comparable messages."
Quite simply out, if your students are permitted to wear crosses, doves, Star of David emblems or other such religious type jewelry, the pentacle must also be allowed. There have be successful lawsuits brought against school districts which have sought to ban some religious symbols while allowing others. We are sure that you would not want to find yourselves in this position due to lack of proper legal advice in these matters. We would suggest that you have your legal representatives review the enclosed documents.
The practice of Witchcraft no more leads to self or socially destructive behavior than the practice of any other religion. To be singled out in this fashion is a violation of our civil rights and certainly sets a bad example of the democratic process for your students. We are sure that you include in your school policies guidelines on tolerance for those of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Please be aware that we too fall under the protection of such guidelines.
We thank you for your sincere attention to this matter. We have no doubt that your intention is to provide a healthy and safe learning environment for all children regardless of religious preference or sociological background.
Sincerely,
(signature)
(encl.)
The F.A.Q's of Witchcraft
The Equal Access Act
Know Your Legal Rights
cc.:
U.S. Department of Education- Field Office
Superintendent of Schools
The Governor's Office
Deputy State Superintendent of Schools
External Affairs
Important Note: The Witches' Voice Inc. does not offer legal advice nor are we qualified to do so. This document does not constitute legal advice but is intended to be used in conjunction with the legal services of an attorney licensed to practice in your state. This document can be copied and distributed to your lawyer should you decide that you need the services of one.
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Wren
Location: Tampa, Florida
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