Associated Press Published

Wood County Teacher Seeks Ok to Wear Religious Habit in Class

Wood County

A Roman Catholic priest who also is a teacher has asked school officials to allow him to wear his religious habit in the classroom.

The Rev. George Nedeff is a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. He recently was hired as a substitute teacher in Wood County, West Virginia.

The 75-year-old Nedeff tells the Parkersburg News and Sentinel that he believes students might benefit by having a priest in their schools.

Schools Superintendent John Flint says school officials respect Nedeff’s request. But a decision hasn’t been made.

West Virginia Department of Education spokeswoman Kristin Anderson says state law doesn’t specifically prohibit or allow the wearing of religious vestments in the classroom. She says federal law provides conflicting guidance.