UK Schoolgirl Sticks to Crucifix
CAIRO — After being barred from school for wearing a crucifix, 13-year-old Samantha Devine said she will fight for wearing the symbol of her devotion to God whatever the consequences.
"I am proud of my religion and it is my right to wear a cross around my neck," Devine told the British Daily Mail on Saturday, January 13.
Samantha was told by her teacher on Wednesday January 10 that she must remove her crucifix and the chain for breaching health and safety rules.
"I can't understand why the school thinks a tiny crucifix on a thin silver necklace is a health and safety hazard," she said.
"Students of other religions can show their beliefs by wearing bracelets or turbans, so why can I not wear a cross to show my devotion to God?" she wondered.
Samantha has pledged to keep wearing the cross when school restarts on Monday, January 15, even if it meant being expelled.
"I am determined to keep wearing the crucifix whatever the consequences - even if I get suspended or expelled."
Paul Jackson, the school's deputy head teacher, said the school has a policy of no jewellery to be worn by any students in years seven to ten., noting that all parents and students are aware of this.
Paul Jackson, the school's deputy head teacher, defended the ban decision.
"In this particular instance, the student and parent were informed that wearing the chain was a health and safety hazard, but that we would allow a lapel badge to be worn," he told the newspaper.
The case echoes that of British Airways employee Nadia Eweida, who was suspended in October for failing to remove her necklace or hide it under clothing in accordance with company policy.
The airline buckled to a barrage of criticism from church leaders and announced a shake-up of its uniform policy to allow symbols of faith to be worn openly.
Family support
Her family has vowed to fight the decision "all the way," claiming it was a clear discrimination against their daughter.
"We are British and should be allowed to wear it in our own country," father of the girl, who served as a soldier in the Royal Irish Regiment for 11 years including tours in Kosovo and Sierra Leone, told the paper.
"I respect every religion, but my daughter is just wearing a crucifix to protect her. It makes me wonder why I protected my country when we can't even protect my religious beliefs. This has upset the entire family," he added.
Devine also vowed to sue the school if it denied his daughter the necklace he gave her as a present.
The mother also stood by her daughter.
"She has been made fully aware that she is breaking a school rule, but Danny and myself have told her to stand up for what she believes in," she said.
"If it all comes to a head, I don't want to even think about removing her from the school because she has until now, got on so well, but we will not back down.
"Samantha is proud of who she is and we will fight this all the way."
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/S...News/NWELayout
My props for people who have guts :D