This is in response to the editorial in the Oct. 13 issue of The Spectrum titled "School Suspension for Religious Wear." The article takes a rather concrete stance of saying that the school board's decision is unconstitutional. It points out that The First Amendment guarantees the right to practice religion and therefore the policy must be changed.
I suggest that we look at the situation more objectively and not allow emotions stemming from feelings of persecution to cloud our judgment. The First Amendment grants religious freedom and is one of the cornerstones of our freedoms. Therefore it could be argued that Nashala Hern has the right to wear her headwear in school. The Spectrum's article argued this point very well.
Now, let me suggest another argument. I attend Muskogee school also, and I practice a rather interesting religion. I am a Billsian. It is my religious belief that the Messiah, Drew Bledsoe, will suffer a career ending injury if I do not wear my Buffalo Bills cap at all times. Although I may be the only person in the world with these beliefs, the First Amendment guarantees me the same rights as any of the more recognized religions. If Hern has the right to wear her headdress, then I have an equal right to wear my Bills cap.
So where do we draw the line? Well the answer is simple, and has already been established. No one is allowed to wear headwear of any kind, no exceptions. If the Muskogee school board decides to change their policy, it is my belief that they will be setting a dangerous precedent that has the potential to undermine the school's authority.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
