This is a pentacle, it is a Wiccan symbol of the elements. Some wear it as pride in their faith just as one would wear a cross as a Christian or the Star of David if Jewish. Grace, a fourth grader at Galtier Magnet School, thought the same. She wore one on a necklace to school everyday after her mother gave it to her. One day when her teacher was out her substitute pulled her aside and told her she needed to put it inside her shirt or take it off. Grace did what was asked of her, even though the remainder of the students were not asked to put any of their religious symbols aside. When she went home that afternoon she told her mother what had happened. Her mother was just upset as she was when she called the school to speak with the principal. Her mom was then shocked when she was told the same day that the substitute would no longer be teaching in her school and there was a probability that he would not be teaching in any of the local schools any longer as well. The principal also gave a contact for a follow up to see how Grace and her mother were doing.
Pagans have as many rights as anyone else and to be treated how Grace was is completely unacceptable. Same with any other minority religious group. Every person is equal and being treated differently because of a necklace is totally unfair and uncalled for.
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