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School District Bans Sixth Grader From Wearing Rosary-Like Necklace

Oct. 4, 2011 7:14am Billy Hallowell

The school district in Fremont, Nebraska has ignited controversy after officials banned students from wearing a necklace that looks like a rosary. The ban was implemented after police told school officials that the necklace is also being worn by gang members.

Elizabeth Carey, as 12-year-old who attends the sixth-grade in the district, says that her principal told her she can no longer wear a necklace that resembles rosary, a determination that has left her parents frustrated and upset. They believe their daughter should be able to openly showcase her religious beliefs.

Fremont Superintendent Steve Sexton told KETV-TV the policy is to protect students. He says police told school leaders the necklace is being used as a symbol of gang affiliation — a growing trend that has emerged in other localities across the nation as well.

“We had information from law enforcement that there were documented instances of gang activity in the area and we had information that states that the rosary was being used as a symbol of gang affiliation,” he said.

But Omaha Catholic Archdiocese Chancellor Rev. Joseph Taphorn says Christians shouldn’t have to give up a symbol of their faith because others misuse it.

“I don’t think Christians should have to forfeit what is the symbol for the love of Christ because a few people want to misuse that symbol,” he explains. “One ought to be able to figure out whether she’s trying to promote a gang. If she’s not, why would she be punished for her right of religious freedom and religious expression?”

The American Civil Liberties Union opposes the policy and sides with Carey’s family on the matter, saying it violates the rights of free speech and religion. Still, the district maintains that rosaries are not allowed, although other religious jewelry would be permitted.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Comments (104)

Christhefarmer
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 9:30am
I have a gang and we wear pants shirts and shoes to show we belong, so looks like kids wont be able to wear clothes to school anymore. We are thinking about becoming members of a teachers union as a way to show we belong too, so soon teachers can’t be in a union else they might be confused with my gang. My gang also likes to eat pizza, every Thursday we have a big pizza party, so I guess no one can eat pizza on Thursday without being confused with us. The other day all of my gang went out and bought school buses, you know so we all could match when we go do drive by’s well guess kids can’t ride in school buses anymore. Funny how the people in charge are the dumbest in our society.

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- Christhefarmer
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 9:54am
  We also speak english, no more speaking english kids. Some other gangs speak spanish so you know…
  
  Report this comment
- Jaycen
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 10:02am
  Hey man, this is what happens when parents don’t pay attention to what’s going on and when they aren’t directly involved in the school.
  
  Report this comment
- ACLUHater
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 1:41pm
  But a nasty head scarf is OK? We are doomed.
  
  Report this comment
- thepatriotdave
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 11:52pm
  The school district in Fremont, Nebraska is only doing what Communists do naturally. I hope the dirtt-bags that are in charge in the Scxhool District lose their jobs and their pensions!!!
  
  I am sick and tired of people stepping all over OUR GOD GIVEN RIGHTS!!! Especially when those people are in government!
  
  Report this comment
- donaldchar
  Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:01am
  Gang members have also been seen bringing school books and notebooks to school, so that’s out now too. We don’t want any gangs learning anything, now, do we?
  
  Report this comment
TMACK
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 9:17am
Since most of the gangs are illegal mexican catholics, I say they just ban all Catholics…that’ll show those gang members who’s in charge!

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- gdbhusker
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 9:41am
  yeah….. My children are all very active in their Catholic faith. We are blessed to be in a conservative school district, but still they take issue with some of the shirts my boys wear. it is usually one of their 1/2 tyme shirts from their youth group. but I will be up at that school in the speed of light if they try to make them go home for a shirt that says “love thy neighbor as thy self” when there are a bunch of little hoodlums wearing stuff a lot more revealing or distasteful.
  
  Report this comment
- TMACK
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 10:30am
  Honestly, I think the real issue isn’t a gang related symbol, but more an attack any religion that believes Jesus is the Son of God.
  
  Report this comment
- Gamaliel
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 11:16am
  The Mexicans at the school where I worked knew nothing about the Catholic faith. I’m Catholic and had believed the stereotype about the devout, hard working, family loving Mexicans. (Those kind apparently aren’t the ones busting our border.) The depth of religious understanding is shallow and reduced to superstition among the very uneducated and unprincipled people I had contact with.
  
  Report this comment
- TMACK
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 12:02pm
  @GAMALIEL – I don’t literally think that all mexicans are devout Catholics, it was a tongue-in-cheek comment about the state of our country where the attack is being focused on Christian religions to the point that anyone with any type of faith in Christ is being treated like second class citizens and has lost all rights to display their faith in Him.
  
  Report this comment
- loriann12
  Posted on October 6, 2011 at 9:47am
  Actually, Mexicans are turning Morman by the droves. My husband works with a bunch who used to be Catholic, and are now Morman.
  
  Report this comment
EqualJustice
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 9:03am
I want to SEE the pictures of all these GANG members wearing crosses with beads? I highly DOUBT it. Maybe the cross, just to be disrepectful, but again, “never let this crisis go to waste, progressives.” Jump on thiis chance to stifle Christianity! I want to see who suffers the MOST under Sharia law. ALL THE LIBERALS because of their way of life. How stupid they are…

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spudwhite
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 9:01am
Rosaries are a form of prayer and (used to be) a sign the owner of one was a Roman Catholic. This idea of wearing a rosary as a necklace is not traditional. That said, and even if this girl is not a Catholic, (and I sure doubt that she is), it is still a potent Christian symbol and should be respected as a First Amendment right. Picking and choosing which form of religious symbol citizens are permitted is not a function of any government entity.
If “gangs” started wearing Mormon Garments inside or even outside their regular clothes, or Jewish Tefillin (phylacteries), leather boxes containing Biblical verses, would they too be banned by observant users?

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kickagrandma
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:34am
In my entire long life, I couldn’t figure out how in the world the world the world could be adjusted so that the USA would be marginalized. The only explanation is Biblical which says that the days and times would be so evil that all should perish if GOD did not intervene on behalf of HIS “kids”. HE IS COMING FOR US. Are you ready? Nothing else matters. Talk to your spouse. Talk to your children and grandchildren and friends about GOD and eternity. There are no “overs”, guys.

I saw this sign recently outside a rural church: “Friends don’t let friends die without JESUS!”

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Mapache
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:33am
The rosary was never meant to be worn as ornamentation and those that wear it as such are idiots. It is a fad that has unfortunately gained popularity. If the girl who wants to wear it is so religious, let her recite the rosary (without props or books). Only then would I consider her complaint legitimate. Her 15 minutes of fame are up.

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- Polwatcher
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:49am
  Keep in mind that the same person wearing a skull and crossbones is good to go with that school.
  
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- MidWestMom
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 10:41am
  and let’s not forget the soccer playing girl who gets to wear special clothes because of her beliefs
  
  Report this comment
- firemanfrank
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:50pm
  Hail Mary’s and Our Father’s arent that hard to remember when said before bedtime.
  
  Report this comment
- Catholic Convert Mom
  Posted on October 9, 2011 at 3:24pm
  My son likes to wear his rosary under his shirt sometimes. I told him it’s not really supposed to be that way, but he said he likes to feel like Jesus is close to his heart. Couldn’t find a good argument against that one. (And yes, he could say it, all except the Hail Holy Queen, we’re still working on that one.)
  
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Waterlyly
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:31am
Gang members wear my favorite colors but let me tell you if someone tells me I can’t wear those colors because of that I will be wearing those colors everyday!

Every Christian student should wear rosaries to take back the symbol.

By banning the crucifix you are merely showing your ignorance of the gang culture. It goes so much further than what is worn. How they wear things is more important than what they are wearing. Learn the signs. Leave the actual article of clothing and jewelry alone, but go after the way it is worn.

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- MaryTao
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 1:13pm
  As a parent I would start a campaign to encourage parents to show up at board meetings wearing a Rosary and in fact to wear Rosaries to every school function they attend.
  
  Report this comment
let us prey
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:23am
The loonies are running the asylum.

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65Mustang
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:22am
I’ll bet if she had a rag wrapped around her and covering her face it would have been okay and encouraged.

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- OhSuzieQ
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 10:18am
  65Mustang ~Sweet! ;-)
  
  I agree 100%
  
  Report this comment
bharris0
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:18am
Gang members also wear clothes and shoes. Using their logic, they should ban clothing too.

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- Rice Water
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 12:36pm
  (Stupid voice) “Gee, they all have heads too! Let’s all cut off our heads!” Ugh.
  
  Now, be honest guys, if this was a story about a school getting flack from Muslims for banning burkas, you’d all be outraged at the “crazy extremists” trying to “FORCE THEIR BELIEFS DOWN OUR THROATS!!!”
  
  Report this comment
angelcat
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:18am
First, Catholics don’t wear rosaries as jewelry. They say rosaries (set prayers on each bead), so I’m not sure why the child would be wearing hers. But, if she chooses to wear it, she should be told to wear it under her clothing as some of you suggested. If wearing the rosary has special meaning to her, it shouldn’t be necessary that others actually see it.

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lodgerat
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:01am
Gang members wear shoes too. Alright everyone no shoes at school.

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Tomfang
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:00am
Gangs? In Nebraska? Really?? Since when do we have a gang problem in NEBRASKA ??? Oh yeah…I forgot….since we left our borders wide open.

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- cntrlfrk
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:17am
  Exactly.
  
  Fremont has a large illegal population, brought in mainly by nearby meat processing plants.
  
  Never thought I would see this kinda crap going on there.
  
  .
  
  Report this comment
- let us prey
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:30am
  From Mexico and south and central America the gangs have brought their filth here. They use the rosary as a symbol and do this in many small cities around the entire USA. Close the borders and deport all these creeps asap. Soon enough the illegals will be running this entire country.
  Press 2 for English por favor.
  
  Report this comment
- Kodiakman
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:40am
  There have been gangs in Nebraska for decades and not just the Mexicans. There are shootings in Omaha, NE almost daily it seems like. Most of which are gang related.
  
  That being said, state censorship of religious expression on the basis of safety from gangs is a farce. It’s just one more example state sponsored oppression against Christians being implemented a grain at a time.
  
  Report this comment
- cntrlfrk
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:59am
  I agree, Kodiak man, but I think Fremont, Columbus, and Grand Island, and possibly South Sioux City are more illegal centered gangs.
  
  I live about 100 miles North of Omaha, and I was amazed at how much violence goes on in Omaha that you don’t hear about unless you spend some time there.
  
  .
  
  Report this comment
- Sgt_Rock
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 1:14pm
  In the big picture, gang membership has nothing to do with immigration status, however many Hispanic gangs form in areas with illegal immigrant populations, the children of the illegal immigrants were originally recruited by American born Latinos. There are Hispanic gangs forming in many areas with large agricultural / farming communities previously devoid of the problem. No place is immune. The Moses Lake, Grant County area of Washington or Ogden, Utah are excellent examples. Obviously, Fremont, Nebraska is another. Across the U.S. the fastest growing gangs are Latino gangs and specifically Mexican gangs. The draw is the money associated with control of the drug trade. More and more, the Cartels are forming alliances with stateside Latino gangs and using the street gangs as mules and muscle for the narcotics business.
  
  The schools are saddled with the younger members of these gangs. As the schools come up with dress codes to control gang related clothing (yes, there actually is such a thing) the hoodlums revert to other forms of identifying their allegiance, i.e. Rosary beads of specific colors. So yes, there is a problem, but common sense solutions are required to deal with them. Our school district simply said “black Rosary beads only” …problem solved. Of course the knotheads came up with something else, but it is an evolving problem that requires focused attention and zero tolerance solutions.
  
  Report this comment
- mycomet123
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:04pm
  Gangs in Fremont? Suprise, suprise. Does the increase in gang activity have anything to do with the immigration raids of the meat processing plant there? I live in Omaha & the first gangs I remember here were in the 80′s (Crypt’s & Bloods–migrated in from L.A.–not hispanic but blacks). There are hispanic gangs in southeast Omaha, but the majority of the daily killings that occur here happen in northeast Omaha & are black unemployed highschool dropouts. Maybe Susie Buffet will give some financial reward to unemployed young adults if they don’t kill anyone, the same way she is going to give financial (cash) incentives for those teens who test negative for veneral diseases! Then we can have her work on the rosary problem in the state. Isn’t life sweet!
  
  Report this comment
ares338
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:59am
Just make the rest of them stop wearing their “Che” shirts and all will be equal.

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SpankDaMonkey
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:51am
.
I think ya’ll should have a Day of Rage protest in the front yard of the school board……..

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vnachi77
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:49am
When I was seven years old my parents gave me a family hairloom crucifix and other than three surgeries, I have never taken it off. Yet most people have no idea I wear it, as it usually remains unseen under my shirt. As a Catholic or Christian what is more important? A external symbol of your faith, or your actions that show your commitment to Jesus? If this young lady’s cross means so much to her, tuck it into your shirt and wear it. It’s there for you, not as a way to accessories. Allow your deeds speak to your faith, not a peice of jewerly.

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- Sgt_Rock
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 1:22pm
  @VNACHI77 said “Allow your deeds speak to your faith, not a peice of jewelry”
  
  Wow, now if we could just get that to catch on, wouldn’t that be something. Well said. God Bless.
  
  Report this comment
TxMadMac
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:47am
You have no rights little child ! Just sit down and shut up ! { sarcasm }

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Katydidnt
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:42am
Maybe if we could get gang-members to wear Global Warming T-shirts we could forbid anything doing with Global Warming from our schools?

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- inpennanow
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:46am
  ooh I like that!
  
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- lodgerat
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:58am
  Great idea…
  
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- REALLYSERIOUSLY
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:31am
  I like that one too, I work in a school, and all the gang members wear roseries around their necks. I ask them Catholic questions, but they have never heard of roseries, hail Marys or Our Fathers. None of them are Catholic.
  
  Report this comment
ILinch4U
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:40am
Just a question…the district said “other religious jewelry would be permitted.” What other jewelry; other cross necklaces, Star of Davids, Crescent Moons……what? Is it any wonder that our country is in such trouble…God will not be mocked! I will keep this young lady and her family in my prayers. May God Bless America.

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- Corwin525
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:22am
  You forgot the MOST impotent the ONE! all hail the Cheese!
  
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Zorro1
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:36am
1. Unfortunately, many people who are given governmental power don’t hesitate to use it badly simply because they can.
2. Also unfortunate is the fact that most people who support big government don’t undertstand number 1.

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drago
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:33am
So, how about wiping out the gangs, and end this problem. Folks , its time to take the trash of of this nation, permanently….

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- LastAmerican
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:58am
  You stole the words right out of my mouth!
  
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MARCH4HIM
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:26am
sixth grade and gang afiliated …public school system..?.
what in thee hell is wrong with our country…?

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Gonzo
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:20am
Government schools and government teachers are doing their best to destroy this country.

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- IntransigentMind
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:37am
  Gonzo, I still believe that parents should seek any and all options to get their kids out of the government schools. It’s stunning what these schools do, but then again, I’m no longer surprised by any of it.
  
  Report this comment
- REALLYSERIOUSLY
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 9:16pm
  I cannot disagree more, I work at a school and My Hubby is a teacher, they try so hard, but what we need is to get the government out of our schools. They have to fight the government every step of the way just to teach the kids.
  
  Report this comment
SpankDaMonkey
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:19am
.
What kind of folks did ya’ll elect to the school board? I think a front yard protest is in order, stand up take back your school’s……….

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shirelover
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:19am
this is absurd. This is a little girl, not a person who is in a gang. It is called common sense! Something that is becoming very uncommon these days.

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- demint.disciple
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:44am
  Agreed , And I do agree it’s stupid policy but the poilcy is there and should be enforced for one and for all.. If they use common sense and let the girl wear it ( which is the right thing to do ) then when a kid IS in a gang and is affiliated wears one ,if they tell him to take it off , he can say, hey you let her wear it … A FIX ???
  Drop the stupid policy , it’s an elementary school for God’s sake..
  
  Report this comment
- TMACK
  Posted on October 4, 2011 at 9:17am
  Agreed.
  
  Report this comment

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