Email: No religious symbols in schools

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. - No crosses. No Bibles. No religious displays of any kind in Henry County Schools. That's what was in an email that went out to educators and it has some parents in an uproar.  "Those strong in their faith seem to be shaken by this," says parent Amanda Comer.

School officials say this is nothing new and it's not unique to Henry County. Spokesman J.D. Hardin says the email was just a reminder to school personnel that they must abide by federal laws.  "People have totally misinterpreted this as if the board has come up with some kind of hardline measure, and that couldn't be further from the truth. We are mandated by the federal government that we cannot have displays on walls and public property," says Hardin.

Hardin says teachers can wear religious jewelry, and can keep religious symbols in their bags or desks. He also says this does not pertain to students.

Josh Moss says he understands it's a federal law, but he doesn't have to like it.  He says the country and the kids need religion.  "If we let God back in schools and back in the United States of America, He could change it," says Moss.

Comer says other parents are upset after hearing about the email so they're planning to get together for a few minutes of prayer.  They plan to meet at the flagpole at Ola Elementary Friday morning.  "Just to come together and support our teachers and faculty and lift them up in prayer," says Comer.