Jesus Halloween Costume Pulled for Concerns of 'Trivalizing' Religion, Says School Official

By Rebecca Keller
Marshon Sanders
Marshon Sanders was pulled out of class at Illinois’ Highland Park High School on Thursday for showing up dressed like Jesus. (COURTESY OF ANGENETTA FRISON)

A senior student at a Chicago high School was pulled from the classroom on Halloween, because his costume (Jesus Christ) was found to be offensive by teachers. 

Marshon Sanders was forced to remove his costume - consisting of a white robe, red sash, a white head scarf, a crown of thorns and a cross necklace. But after school officials confirmed he did not mean any disrespect with the costume, he eventually was allowed to wear it again.

According to Chicago-Sun Times, the school had initially believed the costume could offend "religious sensibilities."

Melinda Vajdic, school spokeswoman, said the costume could be interpreted as perpetuating a "religious stereotype."

"Costumes trivialize," said Vajdic, according to ABC News. "I'm sure that wasn't his intent, but we want to maintain a culture of mutual respect."

Angenetta Frison, Sanders' mother said she has taught her son to respect great people and Jesus Christ is a great figure. "I encouraged him to dress as someone inspiring or uplifting," she said, according to ABC News.

Frison and her son are members of Jesus Name Apostolic Church in Waukegan. He also attends Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington.

The incident is not the first time a student has been removed from school for dressing as Jesus for Halloween. In 2008, an eighth grader in New Jersey was sent home from school over his Jesus costume.

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