Sacred Celtic Order of Balance Church

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Pentacle Necklace Considered Indecent

2000-DEC-18: Lowther, MO:

Nicole Sumpter, 12, is a Wiccan. School authorities confiscated her pentacle http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_pent.htm necklace in 2000-NOV. Pat Smiley, principal of Lowther North Intermediate School, said that pentacles violate the school's dress code. The code specifies that if students dress in a manner that is "considered indecent or disruptive to school in the judgment of counselors, teachers or principals, the student may be required to change to appropriate clothing or alter the disruptive appearance." It also states that: "Clothing and personal belongings shall not display profanity, obscenities, violent or derogatory messages, or have tobacco, alcohol, drug-related or gang-related significance." Nichole said: "My three words are 'freedom of religion.' That's it. I hope I can make a better understanding with parents and counselors, get my pentacle back and forget that this happened." The Missouri chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union may become involved.