College Instructor Compares Crucifix to Swastika

Maybe this is what Nancy Pelosi meant meant earlier in the year when she claimed people were carrying swastikas to tea parties. At Eastfield College in of all states Texas, ceramics instructor compared the crucifix to a swastika and refused to allow students to create religious symbols. Here’s what happened next, according to the Liberty Legal Institute and Fox News:

“Ms. Blackhurst then asked Mr. Joe Mitchell if he considered a swastika offensive. He responded, ‘Of course.’ She then proceeded to compare the cross to a swastika. She stated that many individuals view the cross as an offensive symbol in the same way that many people are offended by swastikas, and that his crosses would therefore not be fired by the department.”

“I felt humiliated and that my spirituality was being demeaned,” Mitchell said in a written statement. “The whole point of art is to express who you are.”

“It appears the Eastfield College art department has no room in the inn for artistic religious expression such as that of Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci; hopefully they will change their mind,” said Hiram Sasser, director of litigation at Liberty Legal Institute.

College officials issued the following statement:

“Eastfield College’s current ceramics policy tells students that they should not use symbols, icons or other “cookie cutter” images. The purpose of those references is to compel students to create original works that express their artistic perspectives through projects assigned by instructors. The college has never intended to circumvent expressions of religious or artistic freedom or violate any laws with regard to religious freedom. ”

The Liberty Legal Institute has given the college until Jan. 23 to address the matter or else face a federal lawsuit.

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December 17, 2009 · Filed Under General Politics


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