Suit Threatened Over Student Who Is Disciplined For Wearing Rosary Beads

The American Center for Law & Justice (press release) is threatening to file a lawsuit against Schenectady, New York school officials on behalf of a middle school student who was sent home for wearing a Rosary outside of his shirt. The plastic Rosary is made of light purple beads and a white Crucifix. The school's dress code defines items made of beads as gang-related symbols. According to a Demand Letter (full text) sent to the Oneida Middle School principal and other District officials, Raymond Hosier wears the Rosary in memory of his deceased brother and deceased uncle. The ACLJ letter argues that the school's dress code is unconstitutionally vague and, as applied, infringes Hosier's free speech rights.