Should religious symbols be kept out of the classroom?

Do you agree with the teenage girl in the UK who wants to overturn her school's ban on her Christian "purity" ring?

Lydia Playfoot was told by Millais School in Horsham, West Sussex, to remove her ring, which symbolises chastity, or face expulsion.

She says Sikh and Muslim pupils can wear bangles and headscarves in class.

The school denies breaching her human rights, insisting the ring is not an essential part of the Christian faith.

Lydia Playfoot's parents are part of the volunteer team for the UK branch of the Silver Ring Thing – an organisation that promotes abstinence among young people.

Should pupils always have the right to express their religion? Or should the classroom be free of religion? Who should decide what children can or cannot wear? Has a similar case happened in your school? Are all faiths treated fairly?

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Published: Friday, 22 June, 2007, 07:34 GMT 08:34 UK on http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk