Just like Marie Schultz said (Letters, Sept. 19), rosary beads are not worn as necklaces for religious purpose. They are held in your hand, and each of the beads you hold while you say a prayer. There are different prayers for different beads. For the young man and his family to suggest he was wearing them for religious purposes is an insult to the Catholic faith. Rules are rules and for some to hide their gang affiliation behind rosary beads is wrong. Why aren't the parents supporting the school rules? Where I grew up, the school and parents communicated with each other and were on the same side. Now parents are telling their children it's OK to break the rules, ignore rules of conduct and disrespect authority. Didn't a teacher just get killed by gang members there a couple of years ago? I can see why there is a no-tolerance policy.

KAREN DEMPSEY, Burbank