Parents upset over federal policy restricting religious symbols in classrooms

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — Some parents in Henry County are upset with an email that went out Monday to teachers at one of the schools.

The email contains a list of religious items or symbols not allowed on the walls of the classroom, or on an instructor's desk.%

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At dismissal time outside Henry County’s Ola Elementary School, some parents that Channel 2’s Berndt Petersen talked to say there's nothing wrong with the religious symbols.

"I don't have a problem with it if it's there," parent Amy Sims told Petersen.

The email indicated the list was a new policy but a district spokesman said it's merely a new memo.

"That is a federal law that we're abiding by. We just send out these reminders and things to be aware of and we've been doing that for the past two decades," said J.D. Hardin with Henry County Schools.

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Hardin said teachers are allowed to wear jewelry such as a cross or Star of David. Christmas trees have always been permitted and the guidelines do not apply to students.

But crosses or Bible verses on an instructor’s desk are a prohibited.

"One of the biggest problems in America now is taking God out of the schools and out of the people," parent Lance Kelly told Petersen.

Kelly had already heard about the email and sees no need for the federal rules.

Sims believes a teacher ought to be allowed to display a Bible verse. But in this case, the government calls the shots.

"I understand that's what they do. But I think this country needs God," Sims said.

A group has taken to Facebook to meet around the school's flagpole Friday morning for prayer.

Cox Media Group