PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A 10-year-old boy who said he was not allowed to wear a Jesus costume during his school's Halloween activities sued the district, alleging his religious and free-speech rights were violated.
The complaint, filed in federal court Tuesday, said officials at Willow Hill elementary school in Glenside, Pa., told the boy Oct. 31 he could not wear his faux crown of thorns or tell others he was dressed as Jesus.
Principal Patricia Whitmire told the boy's mother the costume violated a policy prohibiting the promotion of religion, the lawsuit said. Whitmire suggested the Grade 4 student, whose costume also included a robe, identify himself as a Roman emperor, the suit states.
While the boy's costume was rejected because of its religious nature, the principal allowed other students to dress up as witches and devils, the lawsuit said.
Whitmire and the Abington School District, in suburban Philadelphia, are named as defendants.
District Attorney Ken Roos, who had not yet seen the suit Wednesday, said Abington officials "feel like we've been a little bit ambushed here."
The boy, who is not identified because of his age, and his mother are Christians who object to the pagan elements of Halloween. At the same time, the suit states, the boy's mother did not want him isolated for refusing to wear a costume.
Willow Hill officials required students to wear a costume on Halloween to participate in a parade and party; those who did not were sent to the computer room, the suit said.
The suit was filed on behalf of the boy and his mother by the Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian legal group based in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The boy no longer attends Willow Hill.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment