Mon Dec 05 2005 19:45:41 ET A school today defended its decision to exclude a pupil after she refused to take off her crucifix necklace.
Sam Morris, 16, was told to remove her cross and chain on Thursday by deputy head teacher Howard Jones at Sinfin Community School in Derby.
When the year-11 student refused she was told not to return until today and without the item of jewellery.
The 1,070-student comprehensive has a strict policy which bans most jewellery being worn.
Items can be worn out of view or if they are part of religious beliefs, such as the Kara, a bracelet worn by Sikh males.
But the policy has been described as "unfair" by Sam's mother, Debra Saunders.
Sinfin Community School deputy head teacher Howard Jones said her daughter's one-day exclusion had been a "last resort" after a 30-minute conversation failed to persuade her to take it off.
He said: "There was a long period of persuasion with her and she was given time. It was only at the end of that that I reluctantly had to exclude her for a day.
"I met with her mother today and readmitted her daughter."
Mr Jones said the strict jewellery policy, which bans large earrings or items worn on the outside of clothing - was to avoid accidents and to remove temptation from thieves.
However, Sikh male pupils are allowed to wear the Kara, one of five physical symbols worn by followers of the faith.
Mr Jones said: "As a Christian I don't have to wear a crucifix but Sikhs don't have that option and we have to be understanding. We live in a multi-faith society."
Mrs Saunders, of Thackeray Street, Sinfin, told the Derby Evening Telegraph: "Sam has worn this necklace for more than three years and it is of great sentimental value to her.
"No-one has told her to take it off before and she doesn't want to.
"She thinks it is very unfair when other people are allowed to wear religious symbols and it just ends up creating a divide between the pupils when everyone is told they should be living in unity."
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