A looming legal battle in Texas questions whether fingerprinting as part of background checks may be a violation of religious freedom.

According to a report from KTRE-TV Channel 9 in Lufkin, TX and comments by her own attorney, Pam McLaurin, a kindergarten teacher in Polk County, TX with over 20 years of experience, is suing the state for requiring her to be fingerprinted during a background check on the claim that fingerprinting violates her right to practice her religion, which is protected under the First Amendment.

KTRE-TV reported and McLaurin’s attorney stated that McLaurin – who her attorney said is willing to undergo any other type of background check – believes in the Book of Revelation literally and that undergoing fingerprinting would give her “the mark of the beast” that would cause her to “be tormented in burning sulfur” as described in the final book of the Bible in Revelation 13:16-17 and Revelation 14:9-11.

While the Superintendent of the school district where McLaurin teaches said he will do whatever the state requires, he also hoped the state would allow McLaurin to continue teaching without fingerprinting as part of a background check process, KTRE-TV reported.

A proper background check process needs to take into account both security and privacy issues. Pre-Employ.com – a national recognized background screening and employment services provider – offers organizations background check and fingerprinting solutions that help keep employees, employers, and the public safe. For more information on background checks and fingerprinting, visit www.pre-employ.com, email info@pre-employ.com, or call 1-800-300-1821. Follow Pre-Employ.com on www.twitter.com/PreEmploy.

tahearn@pre-employ.com

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