In regard to the story concerning Samantha Devine, the pupil in
Gillingham, Kent, who had to remove her crucifix whilst attending
school.
I can't help but agree with the school on many levels. Firstly and
most obviously is the fact that necklaces are not permitted
regardless of the pendant, be it a Crucifix, Ahnk or Playboy Bunny.
She has been told that a lapel badge may be worn, so what's the
problem?
These pupils of religious parents are at school to learn, not
daydream about sky gods, pixies or tooth fairies! Other children may
be adorning bangles, hoodies or clothing showing their parents'
faith but, that doesn't mean that we need more of this sort of thing
in schools. A school is a place of learning not a place for myths
and fairytales and it's about time all this religious paraphernalia
was banned completely in our educational establishments.
To label a child as a Catholic, Christian, Muslim, Hindu etc. is as
distasteful as describing them as a Marxist, Atheist or National
Socialist child. These are Children of Christian, Muslim or Hindu
parents. Indoctrinating a child into religious dogma through force
majeure is, in my opinion tantamount to child abuse and should be
looked upon disparagingly by society.
I am getting increasingly annoyed by all this tip toeing around
faiths and beliefs and the undue respect that's heaped upon them.
There is an elephant in the room and the establishment can't or
won't see that the elephant is religion. Please feel free to print
my email address as I would welcome people's thoughts about this as
I'm sure I can't be the only one who feels this way.

By the way, would a Playboy Bunny lapel badge be allowed?