Joe Pitts: “Brenda Nichol has taught for the Armstrong- Indiana Intermediate Unit in western Pennsylvania for 8 years now. But on…”

“Brenda Nichol has taught for the Armstrong- Indiana Intermediate Unit in western Pennsylvania for 8 years now. But on April 4, Brenda was notified that the small cross necklace she was wearing around her neck would have to be concealed by clothing or removed when she was in school. School officials claim that wearing the necklace in school violates the unit's policy as well as Pennsylvania school code regulations that prohibit school employees from wearing religious clothing or symbols in school. When asked to remove the necklace, Brenda refused. On April 8 she was suspended. On April 16 she was notified that the suspension would be for a year without pay. Mr. Speaker, this is outrageous. School personnel, just like students, do not check their constitutional liberties at the schoolhouse door. Brenda is a dedicated teacher who has a constitutional right to wear her little cross pendant around her neck at school. I hope the court will overturn the intermediate unit's harsh punishment for their ridiculous decision.”