Complete Shock': University Staffer Tells College Student She Must Remove Christian Cross Necklace

Audrey Jarvis, a 19-year-old liberal arts major, was in for a surprise last month when she arrived to her campus job wearing a cross necklace around her neck. Why, you ask? This personal decision to wear a Christian pendant was met with a troubling reaction from her boss at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California.

While she was working at the Associated Students Productions, a student orientation event, her supervisor told her to remove the necklace and said that it might offend incoming freshman. And if once weren't enough, she was reportedly asked a second time to conceal the cross, with her boss giving an ultimatum to either hide it under her shirt or take it off entirely, Fox News reports.

Photo Credit: ShutterStock.com

The necklace, the supervisor said, was not allowed under the chancellor's rules -- and wearing it would potentially offend attendees and make the feel unwelcome. Jarvis was so upset over the incident that she left her post early and called her mother to discuss the situation. Now, the scenario has made its way into national media.

Following the June 27 event, the Liberty Institute, a conservative legal organization, is defending Jarvis, calling the request an overt act of religious discrimination.

“My initial reaction was one of complete shock. I was thrown for a loop," Jarvis, a Catholic, said in an interview with Fox News. "I was offended because I believe as a Christian woman it is my prerogative to display my faith any way I like so long as it is not harming anyone else. I was very hurt and felt as if the university’s mission statement -- which includes tolerance and inclusivity to all -- was violated.”

Susan Kashack, a spokesperson with the university, confirmed to Fox News that the incident did occur and that the university is extremely sorry. From corroborating that the reasoning for the requested removal was rooted in fears that the cross might offend to pledging that an apology is impending, Kashack was candid, admitting that the supervisor was "completely wrong.

“It was absolutely an inappropriate action for him to make that request of her,” the representative said, noting that the school's president, Ruben Arminana is trying, through Kashack, to reach Jarvis for an apology.

It's unclear whether the supervisor was disciplined. Read the rest of the story.

Photo Credit: ShutterStock.com

(H/T: Fox News Insider)

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