Jesus Costume Deemed Unacceptable

In 2006 a 4th grader was told he could not sport his Jesus costume at school, and now his family is suing the Pennsylvania school distinct for violating his religious beliefs and freedom of speech. The boy was asked by the principal of Willow Hill Elementary School to remove the thorns from around his head and to not tell anyone he was supposed to be dressed as Jesus because it violated the school’s policy that it cannot advocate any particular religion.

The boy and his mother hold strong Christian beliefs, and had decided on the Jesus costume as a protest against the pagan elements of Halloween.

Witch costumes were allowed by the school, which is interesting considering Wicca/witchcraft is also a religion. The lawsuit does imply that the school is particularly hostile to the Christian belief system.

The complaint was filed by the Alliance Defense Fund on behalf of the family. The full story can be found here.