Editorial: Pennsylvania teachers should be able to wear their faith

AP

For 74 years, Pennsylvania public school teachers could be penalized for wearing a cross or a crucifix, a Star of David or a crescent moon hanging from a necklace.

There could be no symbols for any religion on clothing or jewelry because of a law passed in 1949.

That will change in January.

On Monday, the state House of Representatives gave an overwhelming approval to legislation that would roll back that provision. The lawmakers voted 201-1 to give teachers the ability to wear their faiths on a chain. The state will no longer put school boards in a position to be held liable for looking the other way.

Gov. Josh Shapiro promptly signed the bill, which will go into effect in 60 days — right after schools come back into session after winter break.

It was a long time coming. This repeal has been slowly marching toward approval since a 2003 lawsuit in which a judge determined the obvious. This restriction has been seven decades of First Amendment muzzling.

Schools must walk a line when it comes to religion. The state has a responsibility to show leadership on that.

Schools cannot require public school students to participate in religious exercise. Teachers cannot expect or encourage worship in the classroom. Pennsylvania needs to make clear the boundaries when it comes to areas that might seem gray: football blessings before a game, religious clubs or baccalaureate services.

But wearing the 14-karat cross your grandma gave you when you were confirmed is not the same as leading students in the Lord’s Prayer. A Jewish teacher wearing a yarmulke is not trying to convert anyone.

The new law is long overdue. It is also shockingly devoid of political grandstanding from both parties.

Teachers in Pennsylvania of any and all religions do not surrender the right to hold their faith and express it in constitutionally protected ways. It is more than possible to be a person of faith and simultaneously comply with the constitution. Every other state already has acknowledged that.

School districts should make sure their teachers are teaching according to state requirements and locally approved curriculum. They shouldn’t be policing jewelry.

Lawmakers and Shapiro may renew Pennsylvanians’ faith in government with a move like this.

Categories: Editorials | Opinion