A Picture "Stirs" a Thousand Words

CLARKSBURG, WV - An attorney and former teacher at Bridgeport High School have filed a lawsuit over a portrait of Jesus Christ that hangs in the halls of Bridgeport High.

Harold Sklar, an attorney and parent of a former Bridgeport student, and Jacqueline McKenzie filed the lawsuit June 28 in U.S. District Court in Clarksburg against the Harrison County Board of Education, Harrison Superintendent Carl Friebel, Jr. and Bridgeport Principal Lindy Bennett.

The portrait, Warner Sallman's "Head of Christ" has reportedly hung in the school for more than 30 years. It's currently located outside Bennett's office.

On June 6, a tie vote by the school board determined the portrait would stay on the wall. Having a picture of Jesus Christ in a public school had been challenged under the laws of separation of church and state.

Sklar had petitioned the board to remove the painting and has now had to move onto litigation.

The lawsuit says "The Jesus portrait has engendered conflict within the Bridgeport community for years, as school district officials have refused to remove the display and have instead resolutely retained it despite repeated complaints."

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Questions:

Does a picture of Jesus infringe on the rights of students?

Do you think if the picture was of another religious leader it would cause the same reaction?


GTR Staff

www.godtalkradio.com