Source: The Associated Press
On December 24, 2003 The Associated Press published an article clarifying the American position on religious symbols in the classroom, noting that American students "generally have the right to wear religious garb such as a Jewish skullcap, a Muslim scarf or a cross in public school, although restrictions can be made if the school has a dress code that is not directed at a particular faith. For example, a school trying to limit gang activity may set a dress code that incidentally bars religious clothing like headwear, according to Jeffrey Sinensky, general counsel for the American Jewish Committee. If a school has such a dress code, administrators still have the power to make exceptions if a student asks to wear a religious item."