TX teacher files suit; Says state-required fingerprinting against her religion - 'Mark of the Beast'

November 7, 1:50 PMAtheism ExaminerTrina Hoaks

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Texas teacher believes fingerprinting is the "Mark of the Beast."

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A teacher in Polk County, Texas, has filed a lawsuit against the state for requiring her to get fingerprinted to keep her job. She insists that it violates her religious freedom.

From the standpoint of Pam McLaurin, who teaches in the Big Sandy School District in Dallardsville, being fingerprinted is against her religion. It equates to taking the "mark of the beast," as per the final book of the Bible, Revelation. She believes she would "'be tormented in burning sulfur'" were she to comply.

According to a report on KLTV.com, McLaurin's lawyer, Scott Skelton, said McLaurin would willingly submit to any other form of background check. However, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is not allowing any exceptions to the fingerprinting requirement.

Although Superintendent Kenneth Graham said that he would comply with TEA's ruling, he wished that they would make an exception and let McLaurin, who has taught in the district for 20 years, continue to teach. He said, "'A person's religious convictions are their own and we're not going to judge them as far as I'm concerned. My only consideration is that she does a good job for us and she is good for our children.'"

Reportedly, a preliminary injunction hearing is set to take place in Beaumont on November 12th to determine if the TEA can terminate McLaurin's license.