North Shore Student Sent Home After Dressing As Jesus For Halloween

A Highland Park High School dressed as Jesus on a day costumes are welcome and widely worn was sent home today for violating a school policy that prohibits attire that is offensive or perpetuates a stereotype, according to a story in the Chicago Sun Times. The school then reconsidered and welcomed him back.

The costume included a crown of thorns, a toga and a cross, according to a statement from Highland Park High School.

Marshon Sanders went to school dressed as Jesus—he wore a “Snoop Dog costume last year without issue—and was called to the office, according to the Sun Times. He was told to go home and return wearing something else which he did. His mother, Angenetta Frison, told her son to dress as someone inspiring or uplifting.

After its initial decision, the school relented. “We initially were concerned that the costume could be offensive to religious sensibilities,” the school said in the statement. “Upon further review, we realized the student did not intend to be offensive. Therefore, the school communicated to the student that he could wear the costume.”

 “My son Marshon Sanders was sent to the dean’s office for an 'offensive' costume,” Frison said to ABC Channel 7 news. “There are Mormons, priests, mosses, and such walking around the building with no issues.”

Frison told ABC she has taught her Sanders to respect great people. She considers Jesus Christ a great figure and felt there was nothing “provocative or demeaning” about the outfit. She also said her son was not given a reason why he was being asked to remove what he was wearing.