School district orders the removal of religious items in classrooms
The Henry County School District recently ordered its school administrators to remove all religious items from public school premises.
According to Fox News, part of the directive stated, "You are hereby directed to remove all items which contain religious symbols, such as crosses, printed bibles, angels, bible verses, printed prayers, and biblical quotations from the common areas, hallways, classrooms, and office of East Lake Elementary School."
The edict also prohibited the inclusion of religious and biblical references in email signature lines, notes to parents or any other forms of communication that were sent on the behalf of the school.
"Finally, please remember that all references to holiday parties should comply with the Henry County School District's Policy, Procedure and Practices for Holidays," the directive continued.
District spokesman J.D. Hardin told Fox News that the directive was aimed at school employees and was not meant to be shared with the public. He explained that the purpose of the directive was to remind employees of a particular law imposed by the federal government.
"The Establishment Clause stipulates that the government may not promote or affiliate itself with any religious doctrine or organization," he explained. "Henry County Schools is a government entity," he added.
Hardin stated that teachers were still allowed to wear religious jewelry like small trinkets but they were forbidden to have a Bible on top of their desks.
Henry County residents voiced out their concern about the edict's effect on freedom of speech during the Henry County Board of Commissioners' meeting on Oct. 4, as reported by South Metro Neighbor.
Jenny Toney of McDonough read the directive aloud and urged other residents to "stand up for Christ."
In response, Hardin emphasized that students were not affected by the directive and they were allowed to carry any religious items such as Bibles and devotionals.
