Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon is one of just three states with a law banning public school teachers from wearing religious clothing in the classroom. Lawmakers are considering a bill to repeal that law.  Chris Lehman reports.

Critics of the ban say it's an outdated holdover from the days when fear of outsiders ruled the land. They say it restricts the freedom of Muslims, Sikhs, Jews and members of any other religion from wearing clothing required by their faith.

Two Muslim women testify before the House Education Committee in Salem.

Laleh Zahedi wore a Muslim head scarf as she testified to the House Education Committee.

She told lawmakers she took a job at a private school rather than risk violating her beliefs.

Laleh Zahedi:  "I agree that public school teachers should not openly support or endorse any particular religion in the classroom, but I don't believe modest Muslim dress or other religions' dress, for that matter, crosses that line."

Supporters of keeping the ban in place include the ACLU of Oregon.

That group testified children have a right to an education free of religious expression by teachers, even non-verbal expression like an article of clothing.