The necklace was not long enough to tuck anywhere.
It looked hand made (I reconize the beads from teen camp years ago).
The crucifix rested just below his adam apple so he would have to wear a shirt buttoned to the top as if he where to put a tie on.
He could flip the necklace around and have the cross between his shoulder blades, or just pocket it. Lengthen the chain before wearing it to school again.
I know principals are as likely as anyone to make dumb and arbitrary decisions, but whether it's a crucifix, a rebel flag, a Malcolm X cap or a beer company logo, school officials have to make those calls every day.
Do something, get sued. Do nothing, get sued. School principals are not legal scholars, but most are hard-working and well-meaning. They don't need that s--t. They need a bright clear line, rules they can read and follow.
I'm sure there will be a lot of battles over what the standards should be -- I can hear the screaming about hijab coming over the next ridge -- but we need lear and consistent standards, and immunity for officials who act within those standards. Either that, or keep watching these cases pop up in court every other week.
Just below the Adam’s apple is pretty small. I stopped wearing my St. Anthony because the chain was just too small for me.
The picture does not jibe with your description. That would fit quite easily under the T-shirt. Unless the problem was the necklace, not the crucifix -- that the beading was in colors or in a color pattern that the principal thought was "gang-related."