Muskogee school's attorney wants federal lawsuit dismissed

(Muskogee-AP) -- An attorney for the Muskogee school district has asked a judge to dismiss the US Department of Justice's case against the district.<br><br>The Justice Department joined the lawsuit

Thursday, April 1st 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Muskogee-AP) -- An attorney for the Muskogee school district has asked a judge to dismiss the US Department of Justice's case against the district.

The Justice Department joined the lawsuit of an 11-year-old Muslim girl who was suspended from Muskogee Public Schools for wearing a religious head scarf in class.

Sixth grader Nashala Hearn was suspended in October from the Benjamin Franklin Science Academy for wearing her head covering. School officials say it was a violation of the school's dress code.

Justice Department officials say they want to ensure that public school districts do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of religion and want to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment.

DD Hayes for Muskogee Public Schools says the school district is standing by its policy.

Hayes says the district is following federal guidelines and that its dress code is -quote-religiously neutral."