A teacher at Hixson Middle School in Tennessee publicly humiliated a student as he entered the school library to attend a book fair, by telling him that he could not wear a cross necklace, CBN reports.

According to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), the teacher actually ripped the cross off the student’s neck.

As soon as the student returned home and informed his parents about what had happened, they contacted the ACLJ, an organization dedicated to protecting Freedom of Religion across America.

The ACLJ immediately sent a letter to the school informing it that the teacher had violated the constitutional rights of the student.

“Students may display religious messages on items of clothing to the same extent that they are permitted to display other comparable messages. Religious messages may not be singled out for suppression, but rather are subject to the same rules as generally apply to comparable messages,” stated the ACLJ in its letter to the school.

In an article, ACLJ executive director Jordan Sekulow provided more detail on the legality of the teacher’s actions:

“In other words, unless every other student in the school is decked out in clothing devoid of logos, quotes, product placements, or any other messaging or imagery in general that might possibly be offensive to someone, keep your hands away from our kids’ crosses or any other item of clothing or accessories.”

“Had the teacher singled out a Muslim student or a child of any other faith – even an atheist student – odds are there would be a media uproar and protests outside the school.”

Shortly after receiving the letter, the teacher along with the school vice-principal and school superintendent apologized to the student and his mother and added there would be no further prohibition to students wearing cross necklaces.

READ: Shock After Teacher Removes Student’s Cross Necklace: ‘Keep Your Hands Away from Our Kids’ Crosses’ AND VICTORY: Teacher Who Took Cross From Student Apologizes, Along With School Administrators