Group sues Muskogee Schools over religious head covering

An international civil liberties group is suing the Muskogee school district on behalf of an 11-year-old Muslim girl. <br><br>The girl was suspended twice for wearing a religious head covering. The Rutherford

Thursday, October 30th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

An international civil liberties group is suing the Muskogee school district on behalf of an 11-year-old Muslim girl.

The girl was suspended twice for wearing a religious head covering. The Rutherford Institute says the district violated Tallah Hearn's right to free speech, free exercise of religion, and due process. Attorneys want the district to revise its dress code to allow religious dress, and take Hearn's suspensions off her record.

The school's attorney tells the News on 6 he thought both sides had reached an agreement. He says Hearn has been in school since then. DD Hayes says he's sorry the Hearns chose not to honor the agreement.

He says the district will defend the lawsuit.