NJ Teacher Tells Girl to Put Away Bible

MYFOXNY.COM EXCLUSIVE - A teacher at the Madison Park Elementary School in Old Bridge, N.J., told a 3rd grader that the Bible was not appropriate reading material for quiet time, and ordered the girl to put the book away, according to the girl's parents.

Now the principal is apologizing, saying that the teacher made a mistake and that school policy absolutely does allow children to read the Bible or any other religious book during quiet reading time.

Michelle Jordat says her daughter, Mariah, cried when the teacher told her to put away the Bible. Jordat says her daughter's feelings were hurt and she was confused.

"This was injustice," Jordat says. "No other child has to go through this again."

Jordat accepted the principal's apology, but wants something in writing stating that reading the Bible is OK during personal reading time. She also says she will speak to a lawyer.

The Old Bridge Board of Education held a meeting Tuesday evening and addressed the issue for concerned parents.