Wearing a Relgious Symbol is not disruptive! Thanks Sky!
Target:
Michael Livovich, Superintendent, HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS CORPORATION
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This petition is to support Sky Holeman, a Pagan High School Student, who was sent home twice for wearing her religious symbol at school.Just like the one I wore to school and I was not suspended. Many such incidents occur, as well as students are forced to hide their Pentacles. Sign This Petition and ask the Superintendent to either apologize or resign. Call him at (219) 374-3500 And tell him what he did was wrong just like I did.On May 1st 2007 Sky Holeman was sent home from school for wearing a small decorative pentacle on her left cheek. She lasted three hours with very little incident when teachers began harassing her. Probably calling her a Satanist. May 1st is Beltaine and Pagan children often wear our religious symbols in the form of face paint. This is echoed through out history with face painting a typical pagan activity. On May 2nd she was sent home again for six very small intricate pentacles like teardrops from each eye. Even after washing them off she was suspended. "To me, this is just like wearing a cross -- or like when students are allowed to wear ash on their foreheads for Ash Wednesday." That is allowed, school leaders confirmed, but Sky's symbols were not. Lets show our support of Sky and her parents resolve. Sign this petition and draw a "Small pentacle bellow your left eye," to show your indignant resolve. You can send pictures of them to me and I will send them to Sky and her parents and the Hanover Community Schools Corporation, a disruption of class. So send them to tobynixon@yahoo.comResponse has really been overwhelming. We have recieved 100 signatures in 12 hours. Thanks really. Please keep sending your pictures and writing and calling. Someone please contact Sky and her parents. We are behind you all the way. If you are forwarding this petition please add me as your friend on yahoo or myspace. My heart is not alone, I see the hearts on your faces PLEASE KEEP IT UP.And yes I increased the signature goal to 5000 from 1000, we can do so much better than only one thousand.We can show the world that we are not going to simply submit, and we should not.
This petition is to support Sky Holeman, a Pagan High School Student, who was sent home twice for wearing her religious symbol at school.Just like the one I wore to school and I was not suspended. Many such incidents occur, as well as students are forced to hide their Pentacles. Sign This Petition and ask the Superintendent to either apologize or resign. Call him at (219) 374-3500 And tell him what he did was wrong just like I did.On May 1st 2007 Sky Holeman was sent home from school for wearing a small decorative pentacle on her left cheek. She lasted three hours with very little incident when teachers began harassing her. Probably calling her a Satanist. May 1st is Beltaine and Pagan children often wear our religious symbols in the form of face paint. This is echoed through out history with face painting a typical pagan activity. On May 2nd she was sent home again for six very small intricate pentacles like teardrops from each eye. Even after washing them off she was suspended. "To me, this is just like wearing a cross -- or like when students are allowed to wear ash on their foreheads for Ash Wednesday." That is allowed, school leaders confirmed, but Sky's symbols were not. Lets show our support of Sky and her parents resolve. Sign this petition and draw a "Small pentacle bellow your left eye," to show your indignant resolve. You can send pictures of them to me and I will send them to Sky and her parents and the Hanover Community Schools Corporation, a disruption of class. So send them to tobynixon@yahoo.comResponse has really been overwhelming. We have recieved 100 signatures in 12 hours. Thanks really. Please keep sending your pictures and writing and calling. Someone please contact Sky and her parents. We are behind you all the way. If you are forwarding this petition please add me as your friend on yahoo or myspace. My heart is not alone, I see the hearts on your faces PLEASE KEEP IT UP.And yes I increased the signature goal to 5000 from 1000, we can do so much better than only one thousand.We can show the world that we are not going to simply submit, and we should not.
"I will not sit idly by," in San Francisco, "and not be concerned about what happens in" Cedar Lake, Indiana. Paraphrased from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Andy and Sharene are finalizing their adoption of Sky. Saving her from not having supportive Pagan parents and having to put up with group homes and government regulation of her religion. Sky has long been a devout Pagan. Her new parents love her and are just as supportive as I am of my own son who had the same problem. I had the same problem in school; actually my earlier Apprentices were actually EGGED at My High School. I was subsequently not charged with the assault of the students who threw them. The face symbols are not just for show. Her pentacles were taken several times by faculty. Then they just deny that they take them. This HAPPENS OVER AND OVER. Either they take them, or they ask you to hide them. I know I have had several taken from me. They do not do this with Christian Symbols! Never let us be complacent with this type of action. Some people may say that the painting of Pentacles is a bit much to ask however ash was applied to the foreheads of Christian students at this particular school. This petition is to support Sky Holeman, a Pagan High School Student, who was sent home twice for wearing her religious symbol at school. Many such incidents occur, as well as students are forced to hide their Pentacles. Sign This Petition and ask the Superintendent to either apologize or resign. What he did was clearly discriminatory. It does not cover any symbols painted on your face such as the cross, in the dress code. On May 1st 2007 Sky Holeman was sent home from school for wearing a small decorative pentacle on her left cheek. She lasted three hours with very little incident when teachers began harassing her. probably calling her a Satanist. May 1st is Beltaine and Pagan children often wear our religious symbols in the form of face paint. This is echoed through out history with face painting a typical pagan activity. On May 2nd she was sent home again for six very small intricate pentacles like teardrops from each eye. Even after washing them off she was suspended. "To me, this is just like wearing a cross -- or like when students are allowed to wear ash on their foreheads for Ash Wednesday." That is allowed, school leaders confirmed, but Sky's symbols were not."I wear a head covering according to the teachings of 1 Corinthian 11 and if someone told me I couldn't I would be livid. This girl should be allowed to wear whatever she wants whenever she wants to demonstrate her faith to others. If public schools can't promote religion then they cant promote the lack of it either." -- Victora anonymous Christian Commenting on Miss Faiths article. Today I am wearing my own pentacle. "about the size of a quarter below my left eye," just as she did. You can barely see it in the picture I have arranged to place with my signature. It is bigger than a Quarter, and yes my head is big. It took several attempts and even with help I had to wash off the results several times. Immediately I walked over to the Student Advocacy, rights and responsibilities and asked if there was a policy that dictated that I could not wear this on my cheek. He said no. He said that it had no curse words in it. However if people "Picked on me" he would only allow a formal complaint process after I took it off. He did not disagree with my reasons either. Meaning in fact that the symbol is not in fact considered inappropriate to wear on my face. Several students joined me as soon as I marked my face and after I was told by my school officials that this was not in fact inappropriate according to school policy. I am going to stand in solidarity with Sky and her Parents. If a teacher says that I cannot wear it today, well there will be an act of Civil Disobedience. Join me take out your pentacles draw them on your face and tell everyone that you are tired of this discriminatory practice by schools and our work. This incident will bring awareness to the problem. Thank you Sky, Andy and Sharene. Why should we have to hide who we are? Why should we not be able to wear a pentacle at work when others can wear their symbols outside their clothing as jewelry and painted on their skin. Why only holidays I am a Pagan Everyday, not just on a holiday. EVERYDAY. Thank you Sky. have your parents call me (408) 561-1022 I am a civil rights activist. (Studying to go to law school.) I think I have a few good. suggestions for them.Toby Nixon Enterprises has your back.
We signed the "Wearing a Relgious Symbol is not disruptive! Thanks Sky!" petition!
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3:17 pm PDT, Sep 19,
Jessica Bazzini, California
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Dr. Michael Livovich, By singling out students who wear pentacles, you are infringing upon their right to religious freedom. People in America are born with inalienable rights, which aren't controlled by the laws, customs, or beliefs of any society or policy. One of these aforementioned inalienable rights is the right to religious freedom. What this means is that everyone in America has the right to practice any religion they choose and not be persecuted for it. By persecuting these pagan students, you are going against the constitiution itself! I'm not even pagan (I happen to be lutheran, not that my religion should matter to you, but evidently it does) but even I understand that these students have the constitutional right to not be persecuted for their religious beliefs, yet you are doing it anyway! If you do not like our constitution, then why don't you go practice your bigotry elsewhere - preferably not in America? Or perhaps you should try your hardest to go back in time and live as a Puritan during the Salem witch hunt? Either way, I daresay that no one would miss you. Of course, since it is unlikely you'll follow my advice and distance yourself from the school system, I hope that the families of these students sue you for all you're worth.
Report abuse Dr. Michael Livovich, By singling out students who wear pentacles, you are infringing upon their right to religious freedom. People in America are born with inalienable rights, which aren't controlled by the laws, customs, or beliefs of any society or policy. One of these aforementioned inalienable rights is the right to religious freedom. What this means is that everyone in America has the right to practice any religion they choose and not be persecuted for it. By persecuting these pagan students, you are going against the constitiution itself! I'm not even pagan (I happen to be lutheran, not that my religion should matter to you, but evidently it does) but even I understand that these students have the constitutional right to not be persecuted for their religious beliefs, yet you are doing it anyway! If you do not like our constitution, then why don't you go practice your bigotry elsewhere - preferably not in America? Or perhaps you should try your hardest to go back in time and live as a Puritan during the Salem witch hunt? Either way, I daresay that no one would miss you. Of course, since it is unlikely you'll follow my advice and distance yourself from the school system, I hope that the families of these students sue you for all you're worth.
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4:58 pm PDT, Jul 25,
Becky Smith, Ohio
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11:36 pm PDT, Jul 21,
Eric and Issy Cooper, Washington
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wow the audacity of you. I've been in the Army the last 19 years and 4 combat tours to keep religion in this country free, not for some bigot such as yourself to push your opinion on the students of your school. I'll bet the christian students wear there crosses don't they. You best educate your own self on the religions of your students before you call yourself a superintendent. Shame
Report abuse wow the audacity of you. I've been in the Army the last 19 years and 4 combat tours to keep religion in this country free, not for some bigot such as yourself to push your opinion on the students of your school. I'll bet the christian students wear there crosses don't they. You best educate your own self on the religions of your students before you call yourself a superintendent. Shame
I have been leading Pagan Soldier groups in combat since 2004 and have had eventful celebrations in combat. the Pentacle is simply the symbol of ultimate protection for a Pagan, again, do some research before you call yourself a superintendent, you don't act like one. SGT Cooper US Army
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6:26 pm PDT, Mar 26,
Tammy Campbell, Florida
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I am not a religious person. I personally wish all religious practices would just go away. But I am not in a position of authority over a large group of people with different beliefs. You should have known better!! I bet you don't throw out the kids that wear crosses around thier necks do you?
Report abuse I am not a religious person. I personally wish all religious practices would just go away. But I am not in a position of authority over a large group of people with different beliefs. You should have known better!! I bet you don't throw out the kids that wear crosses around thier necks do you?
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11:29 am PDT, Mar 21,
Name not displayed, Michigan
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Mr. Livovich and the Hanover Community Schools Corporation. I can't imagine what give you the right to deprive a student of expressing their religious views. That violates her core democratic values and I will not toloerate it. You should publically apologize to her and make the teachers who harrassed her apologize as well. i also feel you should inform other schools or convince them that students may be allowed to wear Wiccan, Pagen, Satanic, any religious jewelry, clothing, etc. As lond as messages aren't too controversial. It makes me upset that this type of discrimination is still happening. PlEASE consider my letter and others. And if people do not believe in God or call him by another name please don't make people recite the pledge of alleigence if they don't wish to. Thank You. "With Liberty and Justice For All."
Report abuse Mr. Livovich and the Hanover Community Schools Corporation. I can't imagine what give you the right to deprive a student of expressing their religious views. That violates her core democratic values and I will not toloerate it. You should publically apologize to her and make the teachers who harrassed her apologize as well. i also feel you should inform other schools or convince them that students may be allowed to wear Wiccan, Pagen, Satanic, any religious jewelry, clothing, etc. As lond as messages aren't too controversial. It makes me upset that this type of discrimination is still happening. PlEASE consider my letter and others. And if people do not believe in God or call him by another name please don't make people recite the pledge of alleigence if they don't wish to. Thank You. "With Liberty and Justice For All."
I now consider myself a Liberal Christain. But i strongly believe people should be able to express religious and political views with out being harrassed. That pentacle symbolizes her religious faith. Its like the Star of David, a rosary, cross, purity ring. Care about other people's rights and try to spread the message.
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11:07 pm PST, Feb 6,
Name not displayed, New York
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This is absolutely disgusting. There is a seperation between church and state in this country! There is also a right to practice any religion one wants in this country INCLUDING satanism. Paganism is a beautiful religion full of love for the world to disrespect it or any religion is sickening. A person who is so prejudiced against another based on religion or race doesn't belong in any public office. So he should apologize and make some form of reparations to the student and her family. If not he should be removed from office and the family should sue.
Report abuse This is absolutely disgusting. There is a seperation between church and state in this country! There is also a right to practice any religion one wants in this country INCLUDING satanism. Paganism is a beautiful religion full of love for the world to disrespect it or any religion is sickening. A person who is so prejudiced against another based on religion or race doesn't belong in any public office. So he should apologize and make some form of reparations to the student and her family. If not he should be removed from office and the family should sue.
The pentacle has been used to represent so many things over history. For pagans this symbol is the same as wearing a cross or star of david for a christian or jew. All the formentioned symbols have a positive meaning. Only prejudiced views change the meaning into something negative.
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11:16 am PDT, Oct 1,
Cristine Titus, Vermont
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You are a very small minded human being. That girl is just like any regular teenager expressing herself. It is just like a cross, expect, it isn't a symbol of suffering, it is a symbol of life, unity. You should be fired and sued.
Report abuse You are a very small minded human being. That girl is just like any regular teenager expressing herself. It is just like a cross, expect, it isn't a symbol of suffering, it is a symbol of life, unity. You should be fired and sued.
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7:33 pm PDT, Sep 10,
Jenny Womack, Texas
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I am a Christian and proud of it, but I also firmly believe in freedom of speech and expression. This child's wearing of a pentacle was apparently not a disruption until school officials made it one so in my book, she was just making an expression of her faith quietly and there is no reason to punish her for that. Further, I find it even more offensive that she was singled out for her choice of faith symbol while other students are rightly allowed to wear theirs (cross, Star of David, and so forth). This country was colonized by people who wanted freedom to practice their faith their way....how can we deny this student that right when she has done nothing to harm or endanger others? I may not agree with her faith, but I do believe she has the right to make a choice and express it in a non-violent manner accordingly.
Report abuse I am a Christian and proud of it, but I also firmly believe in freedom of speech and expression. This child's wearing of a pentacle was apparently not a disruption until school officials made it one so in my book, she was just making an expression of her faith quietly and there is no reason to punish her for that. Further, I find it even more offensive that she was singled out for her choice of faith symbol while other students are rightly allowed to wear theirs (cross, Star of David, and so forth). This country was colonized by people who wanted freedom to practice their faith their way....how can we deny this student that right when she has done nothing to harm or endanger others? I may not agree with her faith, but I do believe she has the right to make a choice and express it in a non-violent manner accordingly.
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7:19 am PDT, Jul 24,
Rebecca Rotondo, Connecticut
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If certain religious symbols are allowed, so should all religious symbols.
Report abuse If certain religious symbols are allowed, so should all religious symbols.
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1:53 pm PDT, Jul 1,
Krista Townsend, Florida
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When I heard about this story I was appalled. People like you are the reason that my husband and I chose to home-school our children. At least at home we can be sure that our children are focused on education and are not being religiously oppressed by close minded people who unfortunately should be setting an example.
Report abuse When I heard about this story I was appalled. People like you are the reason that my husband and I chose to home-school our children. At least at home we can be sure that our children are focused on education and are not being religiously oppressed by close minded people who unfortunately should be setting an example.
The pentacle is an example of the five elements and of the human body. It represents an earth based religion that worships nature. In no way does it represent the devil, although if it did that child should still be allowed to wear it since it is not illegal to worship the devil.
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8:18 am PDT, May 16,
Sherri O'Connor, Canada
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In Canada, it is frowned upon these days if you wear a cross that is "too large". However, it is just swell if the religious symbol belongs to a Sikh, Muslim, Zionist, etc. Double standards breed resentment and eventually, hatred. Sky has her religion/beliefs. The Pagans are not Satanists. Quit discriminating!
Report abuse In Canada, it is frowned upon these days if you wear a cross that is "too large". However, it is just swell if the religious symbol belongs to a Sikh, Muslim, Zionist, etc. Double standards breed resentment and eventually, hatred. Sky has her religion/beliefs. The Pagans are not Satanists. Quit discriminating!
The pentacle is a religious symbol, much like the Zionists star of david. No different from the cross for Catholics, which is what I am.
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4:56 pm PST, Mar 8,
Jenna Case, Colorado
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pagans are not satanic or have anything to do with the christian religion and should be able to wear their religions symbol, this student wasnt hurting anyone or doing anthing offensive.
Report abuse pagans are not satanic or have anything to do with the christian religion and should be able to wear their religions symbol, this student wasnt hurting anyone or doing anthing offensive.
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7:13 pm PST, Feb 27,
Erik Linartas, Illinois
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HE NEEDS T APOLOGIZE FOR THE STUPID THING HE DID BECAUSE WEARING A PENTACLE IS LIKE WEARING A CROSS SO I DONT KNOW WHY SHE GOT HARRASED LIKE THAT! hang in there sky!
Report abuse HE NEEDS T APOLOGIZE FOR THE STUPID THING HE DID BECAUSE WEARING A PENTACLE IS LIKE WEARING A CROSS SO I DONT KNOW WHY SHE GOT HARRASED LIKE THAT! hang in there sky!
The pentacle is a religious symbol that i wear too and you shouldn't be punished for believing in the religion if someone try's to take mine there will be trouble :]
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12:49 am PST, Feb 18,
Heather Garrett, Minnesota
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Freedom of religion! Need I say more!
Report abuse Freedom of religion! Need I say more!
Everyone gets to wear their crosses and you don't see us pagans discriminating them for that. To wear our pentacles, shows our pride in who we are. We shouldn't have to be hide!
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3:04 pm PST, Feb 4,
Laurie Smith, Minnesota
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Dr Livovich should apologize for being closed minded and discriminating against religion. Just because he does not understand or approve of a religion is no reason to punish another. I think he shoud have looked into the religion to at least get an idea of what it pertains to.
Report abuse Dr Livovich should apologize for being closed minded and discriminating against religion. Just because he does not understand or approve of a religion is no reason to punish another. I think he shoud have looked into the religion to at least get an idea of what it pertains to.
The pentacle is a religious symbol. Just because it is not recognized by other religions does not change that fact. I find it funny that while these other religions don't recognize wiccan, wiccans recognize and respect the other religions. Isn't respect of others and other's beleifs something we try so hard to teach our children? Just because it is not understood, does not make it wrong.
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6:56 am PST, Jan 14,
Tyson Hartwig, New Jersey
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Apoligize and make it clear that school policy accepts religious symbols or ban ALL regligious symbols
Report abuse Apoligize and make it clear that school policy accepts religious symbols or ban ALL regligious symbols
The pentacle means nothing to me, I'm a Christian. Liberty means everyhing to me.
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3:23 am PST, Jan 8,
Violetta Figiel, Arizona
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Dear Dr.Livovich i feel very sorry for you, someone as nerrow minded as you will be very miserable in life. Do you know what the penticle means? Dont judje things that you know nothing about. You are supposed to be a role model for these children look at what your are teaching them, you are teaching them ignorence and not to accept or even try to understand whats simply different. I honestly dont think you are doing any good to the world as a youth leader.
Report abuse Dear Dr.Livovich i feel very sorry for you, someone as nerrow minded as you will be very miserable in life. Do you know what the penticle means? Dont judje things that you know nothing about. You are supposed to be a role model for these children look at what your are teaching them, you are teaching them ignorence and not to accept or even try to understand whats simply different. I honestly dont think you are doing any good to the world as a youth leader.
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4:45 am PST, Dec 13,
Michael Rabasco, Minnesota
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YOU SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO WEAR WHAT YOU BELEIVE IN.
Report abuse YOU SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO WEAR WHAT YOU BELEIVE IN.
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9:34 pm PST, Nov 24,
Clint Nunes, Oregon
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HE needs to resign would you supspend some one for wearing a cross or what ever you belive in
Report abuse HE needs to resign would you supspend some one for wearing a cross or what ever you belive in
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9:23 pm PST, Nov 24,
David Jensen, Oregon
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because suppression of 1st amendment rights is not a part of your contract, and secondly if you choose to do so , why only for the pentacle??
Report abuse because suppression of 1st amendment rights is not a part of your contract, and secondly if you choose to do so , why only for the pentacle??
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2:50 am PST, Nov 17,
Marlon Garren, North Carolina
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If you allow one religious symbol, them you have to allow them all. in the US we have an inalienable right to religious expression and the right to fulfill our religious obligations without government interference.
Report abuse If you allow one religious symbol, them you have to allow them all. in the US we have an inalienable right to religious expression and the right to fulfill our religious obligations without government interference.
The pentacle is one of the most ancient symbols, having been used throughout the world in many civilizations and various religious faiths. for me, the pentacle is just as sacred as a cross would be to christian. would you make someone remove a cross? i think we know you would not. as an educator myself i find what has happened here to be not only in violation of the law, but morally reprehensible. you ought to be ashamed and dismissed from your position immediately.
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