Times-Union (Albany, NY) - Schenectady Teen Can Wear Rosary Until Next School Year

by Lauren Stanforth, Staff writer
 
SCHENECTADY -- A federal judge signed an order today allowing an Oneida Middle School student to wear his rosary until the end of the school year.
   
The student, 13-year-old Raymond Hosier, is suing the Schenectady school district after he was suspended in May for wearing the rosary outside his shirt. School officials say the beads are considered a gang symbol. Hosier wears the rosary in memory of his brother who died in a bicycle accident five years ago.
 
The conservative Christian group American Center for Law and Justice is representing Hosier and filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming the school district is violating Hosier's First Amendment rights.
 
Today's order, signed by U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Kahn, says the temporary restraining order allowing Hosier to wear the rosary will be in place until Sept. 10 so the two sides can work to resolve the matter over the summer.
 
A court date is scheduled for Sept. 8.