View Full Version : Religious Jewellery in Schools
Waking up with Friends this morning (ie: Watching Sunrise) there was a girl on the show who had been 'poorly treated' at her school because they were enforcing a no jewllery policy.
The spin before the story was that she was made to remove her crucifix. But when they spoke to her, it was clear that it was simply a no jewellery policy which a new principal was enforcing, and she'd taken exception to it as she was wearing a crucifix.. and then decided to go onto news programs, with her dad in tow, to speak of the injustice.
Quite frankly, as someone who is non-religious, I don't think she should be allowed to wear her necklace. I don't give a flying fig if it's a crucifix, a pentagram or a puppy dog on the necklace - if it's no jewellery that should be it! Why should she be given exemption?
What do you think of the matter of religious jewellery in no-jewellery schools?
As soon as I saw the adds for this, I told DH that it would most likely not be because it was a crucifix but because it was jewellery. A lot of schools have this policy, sometimes its a bit more lenient and they can only wear one small necklace other times it no jewellery at all.
Seekrit I am the opposite to you, I am religious, but I also believe that if there is a rule on wearing no jewellery then she shouldn't be wearing it. It is not a requirement in our religion to where it and when she is out of school then she can wear it all she wants.
I think the rules for jewellery are there for safety and to make sure girls or boys don't go overboard.
pookiesossige
21-08-2006, 08:25
Pfft. What a beat-up, she and her dad were just going overboard. I am a Christian, I own a crucifix, somedays I wear it, somedays I don't. But I wasn't allowed to wear jewlery at my high school (way back then:rolleyes: ) so I didn't. Woooo, Big deal! It's amazing what some people will get caught up with and try and use to get on telly!
This story made me so angry that they went to the media about it. :banghead: At my high school they had the EXACT same policy- NO JEWELLERY... and the same as the school in the story, you could apply to wear a necklace or whatever with religious sentiment, with a letter from your parents.
I did this as I used to wear a cross, my mum wrote a letter which was sighted and signed by the principal, which I then had to keep on me at all times...
BIG DEAL.... :no: I think it's a load of BS... :D
luckymama
21-08-2006, 08:31
my school had the exact same kinda policy, it is a safety thing, so i really dont think their should be special rules for some people cos its religious, if that was going to be the case, then everyone should be allowed to wear it
bekkyboo
21-08-2006, 08:34
She even said herself that she isnt a 'big christian" I think she was using it just to nark up the system a bit... or maybe to get on telly.
They suggested to her that she get a longer necklace so it goes under her uniform, but she said "No i want people to see it" - Attention seeking is what i see that as.
I went to a christain highschool - and they had a strict policy on everything... so i know the deal... but i wouldn't think that your faith would soley rely on a necklace...
Mischief
21-08-2006, 08:59
Alot of schools have no jewellery policies, and no *nail files, etc* its for the safety and equality of the students.
My question would be also...are the muslim girls allowed to wear their hijab? Because if not, then why should a different religion be allowed to wear symbols of their worship either?
Ana Gram
21-08-2006, 09:01
More quality journalism at work.
Alot of schools have no jewellery policies, and no *nail files, etc* its for the safety and equality of the students.
My question would be also...are the muslim girls allowed to wear their hijab? Because if not, then why should a different religion be allowed to wear symbols of their worship either?
i think there's a difference between religious uniform and pretty necklaces
Mischief
21-08-2006, 09:15
I understand what you mean Seekrit, but the principal is the same.
All up I think the whole thing is pretty silly. We as Australians like to pride ourselves on our acceptance of other peoples beliefs....so what is wrong with a girl wearing a cross necklace or another wearing a hijab....
I understand if its a full NO JEWELERY policy....thats fair....but if its because of religion, i just think its silly.
Just my personal opinion. :)
I understand if its a full NO JEWELERY policy....thats fair....but if its because of religion, i just think its silly.
yeah, it's a no jewellery thing and she's making it into a religion thing.
Mamaduke
21-08-2006, 09:44
Hang on a minute! I also agree that there is a difference between wearing jewellery in general and wearing a crucifix. The crucifix is not a piece of jewellery, it's not a fashion accessory (regardless of what Madonna thinks!) it is a sign of your Christianity - where else would you wear it?
Any school that would bring a 'no jewellery policy' at school should have put in place the exemption of religious jewellery - that is the respectful thing to do.
Every effort is made today to embrace cultural/religious differences yet it seems like Christians are exempt from that.
No one would dare tell a young Muslim student to take off her hijab - because it is not a fashion accessory, it's a religious symbol...where's the difference?
reAllytee
21-08-2006, 10:17
Hang on a minute! I also agree that there is a difference between wearing jewellery in general and wearing a crucifix. The crucifix is not a piece of jewellery, it's not a fashion accessory (regardless of what Madonna thinks!) it is a sign of your Christianity - where else would you wear it?
Any school that would bring a 'no jewellery policy' at school should have put in place the exemption of religious jewellery - that is the respectful thing to do.
Every effort is made today to embrace cultural/religious differences yet it seems like Christians are exempt from that.
No one would dare tell a young Muslim student to take off her hijab - because it is not a fashion accessory, it's a religious symbol...where's the difference?
I totally agree !
I wear my cross every day & only take it off if its a special occasion when i wear a necklace to match my outfit & even then i still keep it on me.
I dont understand why if we make acceptions to the rules like at Wiley Park Girls High School where they have allowed the muslim girls to wear a "mantoo" even though it isnt a traditional dress that girls need to wear as part of their faith & even though it isnt part of their school uniform why myself as a christian/catholic or whatever cant wear my faith with pride !
More quality journalism at work.
:laughing: Aaaahh chelle - a woman after my own heart!! Totally agree.
It wouldn't have mattered what was on the jewellery, but because it happened to be a crucifix the family thought they'd get some mileage out of it (as did channel 7 obviously :mad: ). People like this drive me nuts. Religious or not, its a new policy. Obey it or send your kid to another school. Simple! :yes: All that parent is doing is teaching his kid how to buck the system. :shame:
I used to work in a Christian school and the kids wore no jewellery - even religious symbols, but this is a school policy issue, not a religious one imo.
Love,
Nan. xx
Hang on a minute! I also agree that there is a difference between wearing jewellery in general and wearing a crucifix. The crucifix is not a piece of jewellery, it's not a fashion accessory (regardless of what Madonna thinks!) it is a sign of your Christianity - where else would you wear it?
Any school that would bring a 'no jewellery policy' at school should have put in place the exemption of religious jewellery - that is the respectful thing to do.
Every effort is made today to embrace cultural/religious differences yet it seems like Christians are exempt from that.
No one would dare tell a young Muslim student to take off her hijab - because it is not a fashion accessory, it's a religious symbol...where's the difference?
this is exactly what i thought when reading the OP.
my girls are in year 3 and 1 and they both wear a small gold cross on a tiny gold chain UNDER their uniforms
- and their school does have a no jewellery rule.
if they were pulled up for it i would stand my ground on it too ( i wouldnt go on tv though !) they have the right to wear their "religious symbol" as much as a muslim girl wearing hers.
Pippi Longstocking
21-08-2006, 10:52
Eeek Mamaduke, I think I agree with you on something!! :p Now there's something worth contacting the media about! :laughing:
I am not at all religious. However, I do believe in symbolism and if wearing a crucifix is important to somebody, then I defend their right to wear it.
Music is important to my 11 year old. She plays the saxophone and is Band Captain at her school. The school has a no jewellery policy but my daughter wears a small gold treble clef on a necklace which is symbolic to her as we bought it for her when she was chosen to be Band Captain. She never takes it off and I would defend her right to wear it if the school objected.
I also had a no jewllery rule at school. With me it wasnt a religous symbol but a cultural one. I wore a taonga and had since I was a toddler. However our school was fine with us wearing our taonga/crucifix as long as it was underneath our clothes. Does it really need to be on display in order for you to believe its worth or is it just the need to have it near to your heart? So honey wear it by all means but button up your shirt.
clarebear1983
21-08-2006, 11:02
I went to an anglican school and I had to ask SPECIAL PERMISSION to wear my cross and then i went to a Christian school where i was not allowed to wear my cross at all. I think if its policy then its policy. No questions about it. End of story.
A few kids would most likely profess to being religious if it meant getting to wear some form of jewelry and by saying no to any form of it then they are eliminating this and making the school more unified..........
You can still hold your personal religion as special, you dont need to wear something to prove it. Its what you believe and hold dear in your heart that matters not whats on your body.
All a load of woo-haa if you ask me......religious, non-religious....if that's the school policy & you don't agree, then campaign via the P & C to have it changed or send your kid to another school. No need to spit the dummy and try to get "15 minutes" of fame over it.
Mind you - I'm against religious symbols of any sort really - all they seem to do is create division and agro..........who needs it? If you are a really religious person, it should come from the heart and shouldn't matter what you wear on the outside if you ask me. I don't go around advertising that I'm non-religious - so why do religious people feel the need to constantly advertise they are??
Y
Pippi Longstocking
21-08-2006, 11:19
I don't go around advertising that I'm non-religious - so why do religious people feel the need to constantly advertise they are??
I don't think that they are "constantly advertising". While I can't speak for religious people as I am not religious, I think it is more to do with demonstrating their belief rather than advertising.
Symbolism can be important to people and we need to respect that. It is not just a crucifix to religious people - it is a symbol of their entire belief system! It is a little bit more than a trinket and we need to be tolerant of that.
Mamaduke
21-08-2006, 11:32
Eeek Mamaduke, I think I agree with you on something!! :p Now there's something worth contacting the media about! :laughing:
How could you not always agree with me?
I'm always right...:rolleyes: :laughing:
CrazyBeautiful
21-08-2006, 11:35
No one would dare tell a young Muslim student to take off her hijab - because it is not a fashion accessory, it's a religious symbol...where's the difference?
Oh but we live in PC times. We can't offend minority groups you know.:rolleyes:
emma2938
21-08-2006, 11:37
i think there's a difference between religious uniform and pretty necklaces
I agree in principal, but just as Muslim people have their veil/outfit they wear (sorry for my ignorance, not sure of the exact name), christians wear a cross as a symbol of their faith. Not all Christians choose to wear this, but some do, as it is a reminder that Jesus died on the cross for us and just what was sacrificed for us.
Just because our display of faith is 'only' a necklace, does not mean it is any less relevant or important than a Muslim person being allowed to wear their veil. Both are a symbol of that persons faith.
I didnt see this news item so I cant be sure what the exact story is, but I know if someone told me to take off my cross I would take great exception to this.
jessgray
21-08-2006, 11:44
when i was in high school the policy was 1 simple metal braclet, 1 set of earrings (they had to small simple ones like studs or small sleeper type ones) and 1 simple necklace on a chain that had to remain out of sight. they didnt allow piercings unless you got special permission.
i think the whole story has been blown out of proportion. many schools have policies about jewelery and students are made aware of them and often the schools will make allowances for students for reasons such as relgion.
i really think this girl is chaing her 15 seconds of fame lol
when i was younger i was a strict christian and i wore an actual crucifix not a cross like the one this girl is putting up a big who hah about. my school didnt have a problem with it because it was out of sight. they didnt have a problem with the muslims wearing hijabs or the hindus with nose studs and the red spots (dont knwo what they are called). the general reason for such strict policys is for safety and to make the school look more presentable.
bambikins
21-08-2006, 11:55
No jewellery, means no jewellery!..........I went to a school where we couldn't even wear ear studs. If you had your ears pierced the day before, well it was just too bad and they had to be taken out. The only accesories we were allowed were a "compulsory" hair ribbon and 2 school badges.........if we didn't have those on we were made to go to a little shop set up in the school and buy them then and there.
The bottom line is if that's the school policy, then children and adults should adhere to the rules. If they don't like it, then change schools...........I mean we even had regulation coloured underwear we had to buy at one time (back in the 80's). But that rule came and went pretty quickly as teachers checking the girls to make sure they had on the right coloured underwear on is just plain wrong!
Mister Noodle
21-08-2006, 12:08
Why should religion get a free pass?
I dare say there are teenagers who find their favourite celebrity/band/etc just exactly as important, dear to their heart and at the very core of their being as some of you find Jesus.
Should this give them the right to flout the school dress code and wear their idol's logo, as well? That would make a really interesting test case...
As for the hijab - frankly, I'd see a reasonable case for insisting on the prescribed uniform, but even so, a hijab is not jewellery by any stretch of the imagination.
Again, some teenage heart-throb should push for an odd clothing gimmick, like socks on your ears or something - and you'd get yourself precedent for either banning ALL dress outside of the specified uniform, or NONE of it.
Either of which would be better, imho, than making "I believe this or that person created the universe" sufficient justification for breaking any given rule, while not giving non-religious reasons equal weight.
Either that, or I want to found a religion that demands that I not wear pants.
jessgray
21-08-2006, 12:26
mr noodle- from my expierience schools wont allow a t-shirt/top with a band on it on the basis it is a new religion lol
Ana Gram
21-08-2006, 13:24
Perhaps we should ask "what if". Are there muslim students who where head scarfs at that school?
I'm sure that no-one else who wore a religious piece of jewerly such as a pentagram would get away with wearing it either.
I agree Mr Noodle......where does it end? One could argue that to some teenage girls "fashion is their idol" - so perhaps they want to forgo the uniform altogether and wear what is meaningful to them too?? When I was a teenager, we had girls who absolutely WORSHIPPED Boy George and Culture Club.........but were they allowed to dress and wear all that garb in school?? NUH. I can't recall our dresscode exactly, but being a private school, it was pretty strict and if you went too far with earrings or whatever and were told to take them out - you did OR you got in trouble............SIMPLE AS :devil6:
Rules are rules. Unfortunately, in this world, to ensure we all get along and society can function without chaos.....we have rules and regulations. Some are a bit silly, some for safety, some for many and varied reasons, depending upon the specific organisation that enforces the "rule". Sporting clubs have rules and dress codes etc
I don't always agree with all the rules and regulations that are enforced upon me either......but for the good of society as a whole, I grit my teeth and accept that if we want a well functioning, reliable and inclusive society - then I have to play my little part by accepting that things aren't always going to go MY WAY - I will HAVE to toe the line on occassion.........for the good of my entire community.
I'm afraid I have little tolerance anymore for all this PC, Americanised "freedom of expression" rubbish. When you join a club or enter a school or a workplace, usually, what is required is set out to you.......if you don't like it, then go elsewhere. In a society such as ours, there ARE plenty of choices.......so if you want to go to a school that has no dress code or no set time rules or whatever, it's pretty darn easy to find one that suits your needs.
If one is self confident and has an adequate sense of ones place in the world and beliefs, values and morals........one shouldn't NEED to wear all this stuff to symbolize what one stands for. Why can't people be content to follow their beliefs etc out of the faces of others? Why all this NEED for such symbolism and whatever these days? I couldn't care if someone wants to walk around naked and worship the moon at midnight, if that's what floats ya boat - so be it.........BUT don't do it in full view of your neighbours and make so much noise you disrupt your neighbourhood eh? We're ALL trying to live our lives within pretty confined spaces these days.........
Religion?? Phooey - this girl was committed to her 15 mins of fame and her and her fathers need to be "right" about something :mad: They just want to rock the boat and give more bloody grief to that poor school and it's staff :mad: Honestly, who'd WANT to go into education these days? Parents have less discipline then their kids and everyone wants it all their own way............in 20 yrs there won't BE anyone willing to be educators becuase of all these constant hassles they are forced to put up with these days :banghead:
I hope everyone is cut out for homeschooling - cause that's what it'll end up coming down to - if we **** the educators off enough - there won't be any!!!
Y
jessgray
21-08-2006, 14:27
Perhaps we should ask "what if". Are there muslim students who where head scarfs at that school?
I'm sure that no-one else who wore a religious piece of jewerly such as a pentagram would get away with wearing it either.
the gilrs father was asked that question on sunrise and he said there wasnt any muslims that he knew of at the school wearing a hijab. and the gilr said the same thing.
Ana Gram
21-08-2006, 15:03
Oopps, what I meant to say was shouldn't :o
SamanthaJane
21-08-2006, 15:19
We had strict rules on jewellery... No necklaces was one of the rules.
However, if we DID wear a sign of the cross as a necklace, the teachers would not ask us to take it off.
I went to a catholic school, so i guess in a way it was seen as a "good thing" if you were wearing one.
I think if she really wants to wear one she should be allowed to. In my opinion there is a big difference between coming to school with the trendiest surf necklace and coming to school with a simple nicklace with a crucifix symbol.
One is about the latest trends, the other is about dedication to your religion.
SassyMummy
21-08-2006, 15:20
I think that this whole issue is all a bunch of rubbish.
I saw on the news last night that apparently, the girl could "apply" to wear the necklace if she wanted to wear it. She said she didn't want to apply. What an idiot. If she REALLY had such an issue about wearing it, then surely it wouldn't bother her to apply if it meant she could wear it!
I do believe that a crucifix, worn religiously or not, is still a piece of jewellery. I also imagine that the reason jewellery isn't allowed is for safety...and it's not as if religious jewellery is any safter than NON religious jewellery.
IMO, there is a difference between the hijab and a crucifix. For one, a hijab is a piece of fabric. In all reality, it harbours no more danger than a t-shirt or a sock...and unless t-shirts and socks are going to banned as well, I see no reason for the hijab to be banned.
I actually don't agree with a no-jewellery policy...I think there are some items which aren't particularly hazardous. A thin chain and a small pendant, for example, aren't exactly at risk of strangulation (a thin chain would just break).
......Either that, or I want to found a religion that demands that I not wear pants.
:laughing: My DH would happily join you in that venture!!
SilverStarfish
21-08-2006, 16:11
I saw on the news last night that apparently, the girl could "apply" to wear the necklace if she wanted to wear it. She said she didn't want to apply. What an idiot. If she REALLY had such an issue about wearing it, then surely it wouldn't bother her to apply if it meant she could wear it!
I saw that too! And my first reaction was the same. If it was REALLY so important to her that she wear it, that she would go on national TV and make a totall a$$ out of herself (sorry, just my opinion), then surely she would fill in a simple form at school to get special permission to wear it?
I'm guessing her answer would be some thing along the lines of "But I shouldn't have to ask permission... blah blah blah"... :rolleyes:
Our school had a no jewellery policy too - though if it couldn't be seen (ie long chain) then it was often let slide. Heck, we had to have a note from home to wear a jumper that wasn't brown or shoes that were not black.
Really curious now........no agro needed.....I would like to know why every time there is a comparison to another faith and their religous symbol the example being used is the Muslim faith......facinating......:confused:
Hang on a minute! I also agree that there is a difference between wearing jewellery in general and wearing a crucifix. The crucifix is not a piece of jewellery, it's not a fashion accessory (regardless of what Madonna thinks!) it is a sign of your Christianity - where else would you wear it?
Any school that would bring a 'no jewellery policy' at school should have put in place the exemption of religious jewellery - that is the respectful thing to do.
Every effort is made today to embrace cultural/religious differences yet it seems like Christians are exempt from that.
No one would dare tell a young Muslim student to take off her hijab - because it is not a fashion accessory, it's a religious symbol...where's the difference?
:yes: as usual I agree with you :D
I'm sure that no-one else who wore a religious piece of jewerly such as a pentagram would get away with wearing it either.
You know Chelle that's exactly what I thought. In school I was always asked to remove my pentagram, but when i asked why the others could wear their crucifix's, the teacher said 'because its religeous' WTF?
teenqueen
26-08-2006, 23:00
I'm a year 12 at a school where we're not allowed to wear jewelry too, but who knows what kind of relationship this girl has with teaches, we're only shown one side of the story. Maybe she made it a big deal to remove the cross, but she could also have an attitude problem
AAnnndd if she is sincere about her beliefs, shouldn't she modestly hide it and not need it to make a statement...:confused:
indigoin0z
26-08-2006, 23:07
i said to my husband,
if it was someone complaining they couldnt wear their pentagram or skull & crossbones,
there would have been no way they would of been able to blow that story out proportion...
i hate it in this day & age when there are so many religions & beliefs but alot of the christian movement see there religion as more special or important than others -NO DISRESPECT MEANT TO ANYONE!!! -
btw, for the christians etc,
must remember the principal actually did state 'non-visible' jewellery was allowed.... so she did have another option...
Mister Noodle
27-08-2006, 16:54
The Hijab is in the religious rules. It is an actual integral part of their beliefs.
For what it's worth, this is completely incorrect.
The hijab is a cultural thing only. The Qu'ran states only that people should dress modestly, and that women should cover their bosoms.
Covering the face or head is NOT mentioned in scripture.
I think alot of any religon see their own as more important then another. It would make sense wouldn't it.
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