The Morning Call reports:

Across the nation, other witches have turned to the courts to protect their right to employment, to wear religious jewelry and to have custody of their children. Despite stereotypes of witches casting spells against people, Smell said she adheres to a Wiccan principle prohibiting followers from wishing harm to anyone.

In August 2003, she applied for the job on a permanent basis after the regular employee decided to not return. She provided 15 written recommendations from faculty members and department heads who ''enthusiastically and unequivocally'' supported her being hired, according to her suit. But the college refused to hire her solely because of her religious beliefs, she alleges. ... Members of the faculty, staff and student body supported her, she said, but some administrators did not, questioning whether she should be wearing the [Wiccan] jewelry.

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