A little over a month ago, there was a controversy over an Indiana student who was sent home when she painted a pentacle on her face in observance of Beltane (and as a protest against religious harassment she felt wasn’t being addressed). The issue ended in something of a stalemate, with the school promising that wearing a pentacle necklace would no longer be challenged (but not budging on the issue of face-painting). Now the local school board is looking to revamp its dress-code policy, but has put off passing any new policies since a large number of parents and students have come forward to give input.

“The Hanover Community School Board opted Tuesday to table a planned policy on student dress and grooming after students and adults asked questions they felt needed to be answered first. It was a bit of a civics lesson for Student Council members who, encouraged by Student Council sponsor Travis Lechien, asked for clarification of some of the dress code language and offered suggestions. Their interest and that from parents prompted the board to postpone consideration of the policy until the board, the public and Superintendent Michael Livovich can meet to discuss some of the issues. Student Faith Cappas said only body art and tattoos deemed to be offensive needs to be covered by clothing … At least one student that is a practicing Wiccan was suspended this past school year for face art that is part of certain Wiccan observances.”

It seems pretty clear that this attention was at least partially generated by the controversy over Sky Holeman painting religious symbols on her cheek. The School Board seemed completely unprepared for any questioning of their policy, and the President seemed to have trouble figuring out how to “thank” the students for involving themselves.

“Board President Kay Sheehy thanked the students for participating in the process and for “having the nerve” to come before the School Board.”

I only hope that the students and parents continue to “have the nerve”, and inject themselves into this process. Direct participation in local governing bodies is one of the best ways to keep elected officials transparent and answerable in their decisions.

Tags: law, Paganism, Wicca