Mom2FiveKidz
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2017
Meh - this question, as worded, should be a non-issue in real life. I wear a cross pendant (not a crucifix) every single day. I'm not a teacher, but I have never once in 40 years been asked anything by anybody about it. It doesn't rouse curiosity or prove to be a springboard for evangelism - nor is it intended to. I get that it's a pretty mundane symbol in our culture, but I also expect that in 2017 even less mainstream items like hijab, turbans and/or kippah are not so unfamiliar that they evoke a lot of attention, even amongst children. And I'd imagine that most young children, if confronted with what they might consider an oddity, would probably bring it up to their parents who could then frame it however suited them.
I agree 100% that teachers should be allowed to wear the symbols of their faith, whether that's a turban, or a kippah, or a cross necklace.
I am laughing at the idea that children don't ask questions about things that are mundane, or that they'll wait and bring it up at home. Older children? Sure, but having taught Kindergarten, I can guarantee it's a constant barrage of questions. "Why is the gerbil sleeping?" "Why does my pencil get shorter when I sharpen it?" "Why do you wear a blue shirt, my mommy wears a pink shirt, you should wear pink too?"
I think it's fine for a teacher to say "I wear this turban because of my religion. I am a Sikh and Sikh men wear turbans. Now open your book so we can start reading".