A HEAD teacher is standing by her decision to stop a student wearing a crucifix despite her family’s vow to fight for her right to wear it.

The Medway Messenger broke the news last weekend that 13-year-old Samantha Devine had been asked to remove the cross and chain by staff at The Robert Napier School at Gillingham because it breached health and safety concerns.

Despite several national newspapers criticising the decision, Fiona Miller, head teacher at the school in Third Avenue, Gillingham, has refused to budge on her 'no jewellery’ policy.

Ms Miller said: “The school has a policy that no jewellery can be worn by students in years seven to ten. All parents are aware of this.

“However, we are perfectly happy for Samantha to wear a lapel badge to demonstrate her commitment to her faith.

“We have discussed this with the family and we are happy to discuss this matter further on Monday.

“This is about a ban on wearing dangling jewellery. It would be wrong to portray this as a religious issue.”

Samantha’s father Danny, 30, has vowed to continue sending Samantha to school wearing her necklace and was due to meet with Ms Miller today.

He said: “Samantha should never have been made to take her necklace off. She will be going to school today and will be wearing her crucifix. We have spoken to Sammy about this in great depth and she is adamant she will not take it off even if she is threatened with being expelled.

“I am very proud of her. So many people are frightened to voice their opinions, but Sammy is standing up for her rights.”