CEDAR LAKE | The parents of a 16-year-old Hanover Central High School freshman say they expect an apology from school officials for sending their daughter home Tuesday for wearing a pagan symbol to celebrate a religious holiday.

Andy Pecenke, of Cedar Lake, said his daughter Sky Holeman has been a practicing pagan for three to four years.

Pecenke said he, his wife, Sharene Pecenke, and Sky are of that religion.

"I've been a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids for 13 years," Andy Pecenke said, adding that May 1 celebrations are a centuries-old tradition. "It signifies the end of spring. It's one of the lunar holidays," he said.

The pentagram his daughter wore below her eye on her upper cheek is about the size of a quarter, Pecenke said. "They told her it was too distracting," he said.

"They don't send kids home on Ash Wednesday," Pecenke said.

Hanover School Board Vice President Marilyn Kaper said Tuesday she could not comment as "I have no facts about this issue." Kaper said Superintendent Michael Livovich is out of town.

"If I get an apology from the school, I'll be happy," Pecenke said. "It is discrimination and a violation of civil rights. If harassment continues, then I might have to take legal action. I would prefer to not go that route."

In March, an eighth-grader at Hanover Central Middle School was suspended for spidery lines of makeup on her face in keeping with a style she described as "goth" or "emo."

At that time, Hanover Central Middle School Principal Bob McRae declined comment specific to that case, but said the school does have a dress code that prohibits anything distracting or inappropriate.