Pagan in PA Sues Over Alleged Hiring Discrimination

December 26, 2004

Source: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/features/religion/la-na-wiccan26dec26,1,5078689.story?coll=la-news-religion

On December 26, 2004 the Los Angeles Times reported, "as a member of a religious minority, Judith Smell is sensitive about her right to practice whatever religion she chooses. So when Lehigh Carbon Community College declined to hire her, she suspected it had something to do with her faith. And on Dec. 17, she sued the college in federal court, saying the school had violated her right to religious freedom. Smell, 37, of Coaldale, Pa., practices a pagan religion known as Wicca. She describes it as a nature-based faith that is attuned to the elements — earth, water, air and fire. Across the nation, other Wiccans have turned to the courts to protect their right to employment, to wear religious jewelry and to have custody of their children."