Teacher Apologizes After Forcing Boy to Remove Religious Symbol on Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday was this week and that means millions of Christians celebrated the occasion by receiving ash markings in the form of a cross on their heads. Adults and children participate in such events at their church.

A Utah student went to school with his forehead marking but his teacher told him he had to remove it. Fourth-grader William McLeod was happy to explain to his classmates what it meant and that he was Catholic.

His teacher told him it was not appropriate for school and proceeded to help him wipe it off with a sanitizing wipe. Both the teacher and school principal contacted the boy’s family about the incident, and William’s grandmother was not happy with how things were handled.

Davis School District officials are addressing the incident and have stated that this student’s treatment is unacceptable and not reflective of how they want students to feel. There is not a problem with wearing this type of religious symbol.

Although she apologized to the boy, it is possible that the teacher may face disciplinary action. Click below to hear what McLeod’s family had to say and what steps the school has taken to rectify the situation. As you can see from the video, the little boy is still wearing the faded markings of his cross.

What do you think of this child’s experience? Have you ever encountered an issue with wearing religious symbols on the body to work or school?