Parent files complaint over teacher's Star of David necklace
Posted: Nov 18, 2014 4:16 PM EST Updated: Nov 18, 2014 5:03 PM EST
By Alexandria Hoff
ENOLA, Pa. (WHTM) -
In 1949, Act 14 (Sect.1112) made it illegal for a public school teacher to display any kind of religious symbol or emblem in the classroom.
This fall, two East Pennsboro Middle School students complained about the Star of David worn by their teacher.
"They are there to learn about education, not to learn about religious points of view," said Ernest Perce, the parent who filed a formal complaint with the district over the necklace.
He says the law is being violated.
http://www.abc27.com/story/27419449/parent-files-complaint-over-teachers-star-of-david-necklace
Section 1112. Religious Garb, Insignia, etc., Prohibited; Penalty.--(a) That no teacher in any public school shall wear in said school or while engaged in the performance of his duty as such teacher any dress, mark, emblem or insignia indicating the fact that such teacher is a member or adherent of any religious order, sect or denomination.
(b) Any teacher employed in any of the public schools of this Commonwealth, who violates the provisions of this section, shall be suspended from employment in such school for the term of one year, and in case of a second offense by the same teacher he shall be permanently disqualified from teaching in said school. Any public school director who after notice of any such violation fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction of the first offense, shall be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100), and on conviction of a second offense, the offending school director shall be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) and shall be deprived of his office as a public school director. A person thus twice convicted shall not be eligible to appointment or election as a director of any public school in this Commonwealth within a period of five (5) years from the date of his second conviction.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=1949&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=14&chpt=11&sctn=12&subsctn=0
A little more about Ernest Perce:
http://freethoughtblogs.com/dispatches/2014/10/13/atheist-converts-to-christianity-good-riddance/