A bill that repeals a portion of the state school code concerning teachers wearing religious garb or icons in school passed the Senate by a unanimous vote on Wednesday.
Senate Bill 84 would eliminate a portion of the Pennsylvania School Code that would ban teachers from wearing any religious insignias, emblems or garb while on the job in the state. The law required that a teacher be fired or suspended for one year for multiple offenses and make school boards liable if they fail to enforce it.
Senator Joe Pittman, who represents Indiana County, said that it was good to see a rule that he felt was outdated be removed.
Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill from York County said that this law had a negative impact on Brenda Nichol, an ARIN Teacher’s Aide who was suspended in 2003 for refusing to take off or cover up a necklace that had a cross on it.
The lawsuit ended in a settlement where Nichol received back pay for her time on suspension.
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