FREMONT, Neb. (AP) – The Fremont school district has banned the wearing of a necklace that looks like a rosary because they say it’s also being worn by gang members. Fremont Superintendent Steve Sexton says the policy is for student safety. He says school officials have received information from police that the rosary is being used as a symbol of gang affiliation.
Omaha Catholic Archdiocese Chancellor Rev. Joseph Taphorn says that’s disheartening and that Christians shouldn’t have to give up a symbol of their faith because others want to misuse it. Twelve-year-old Elizabeth Carey says she was told by her principal she couldn’t wear her necklace. Her parents say they are upset that their daughter was not being allowed to express her religious beliefs.