Defending Middle School Student’s Right to Openly Wear a Rosary

Rosaries are worn as bling by some African gang bangers so the school was not totally out of order.  Keeping gang activity out of schools is highly desirable

We recently assisted a middle school student in Texas, and his mother, who requested our help to ensure that the student is able to keep openly wearing his rosary while he is at school.

The student has worn a rosary to school to symbolize and express his Christian faith, which has grown especially important to him during his continuing fight against cancer that has appeared in his throat and lungs. On multiple occasions, however, teachers and administrators told him to remove or hide his rosary. He believed that hiding or removing his rosary would indicate that he is ashamed of his faith.

His mother discussed the matter with various school administrators and staff and they stated that requiring her son to remove or hide his rosary was supported by District policy. They also advised that her son might face disciplinary action if he continued to openly wear his rosary.

We sent the school district a letter explaining that the school’s actions violated the student’s freedom of speech.

The school district’s attorney reviewed the matter and advised that the student would be permitted to openly wear his rosary without further incident.

The ACLJ will continue to defend the free speech rights of students wearing rosaries, cross necklaces, religious clothing, and similar expressive attire around the country.

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