The school board in Urbandale, IA, is facing a challenge from five high school seniors regarding religious expression. Apparently, the school district allows you to openly express your religious beliefs when at school -- unless you are a Satan worshiper. These students want that policy to change:
Graduating senior Jake Thompson showed up at the Urbandale school board meeting earlier this month to advocate for students who worship Satan as part of their religion. The students should be able to wear T-shirts that represent their beliefs just like anyone else, he said, yet the district's student dress code specifically prohibits "satanic symbols..."The Urbandale School Board didn't comment on this request during either of their most recent meetings.
But Thompson wasn't done yet. He returned to Monday's school board meeting and brought along other recent graduates to echo their beliefs that students should be allowed religious freedom in the dress code.
Four students addressed the school board on the topic. Although none said they actually know any Satan worshipers, they believe students with that belief should have the same religious freedoms as any other student.