Utah teacher apologizes for Ash Wednesday incident

A Utah teacher put on administrative leave for making a 9-year-old Catholic student wash off the Ash Wednesday cross from his forehead is apologizing.

Fourth-grade teacher Moana Patterson said Monday she hopes everyone can move forward and build understanding together. Patterson was surrounded by parents and students who support her at a news conference held at Utah state capitol in Salt Lake City.

The incident occurred at Valley View Elementary School in Bountiful, Utah, last week.

The boy’s grandmother, Karen Fisher, says she’s not ready to accept the apology because Patterson pressed the boy to remove the symbol even after he explained its significance. She says she doesn’t want Patterson to lose her job, but she believes more sensitivity training is needed.

The Davis School District is currently investigating the teacher and the incident.

You can view our previous story HERE.