A Howard County high school senior has resigned as the president of her student government because, she says, holding office conflicts with her beliefs as a Jehovah's Witness.
Atholton High School senior Jennifer Hundley, 17, left her post Jan. 6 after parishioners from her 160-member North Laurel congregation warned her that filling the post violated their interpretation of biblical teaching.
"The issue was whether student government was important to me or was Jehovah more important to me," said Ms. Hundley, who lives in the Laurel area. "I was living with this conflict, but it was more important to me to please God."
Jehovah's Witnesses, widely known for their door-to-door ministry, believe they shouldn't vote in elections, pledge allegiance to the flag or hold political office. They believe their allegiance should be to Jehovah -- God himself -- and to no other.
For Ms. Hundley, an honor society student, the conflict meant sacrificing the student group's presidency, an office she first won at the end of her sophomore year.
Since then she also has been vice president of the Howard County Association of Student Councils, a post she also quit last year because of her faith.
"I know that I know this is right," Ms. Hundley said of her decision. "I'm not afraid to stand up for what I believe in."
At one time, Ms. Hundley said she had thought about pursuing a law degree, but that has changed, too. Now, she said, she wants to study at the University of Maryland College Park to become a teacher.
"I'm not even anxious to go to college anymore," she said, although she has applied for several scholarships. "Jehovah's Witnesses are not overly concerned with making a place in society. I'm probably a better person because I'm a Jehovah's Witness."
All of her life, Ms. Hundley has heard the teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Her mother is a devout follower of the faith. Her father, however, emphasized secular achievement, she said.
When her parents separated 18 months ago, Ms. Hundley stayed with her mother, while her father moved to Alabama. Ms. Hundley's conflict came to a head.
"I loved my father dearly, but SGA and those types of things were important to him," Ms. Hundley said. "I have always known that I wanted to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses. How can I talk to people about the Bible when I'm not living by the Bible?"
Making a choice
Fellow parishioner Chester McEachern convinced her that she would have to make a choice between the student government presidency and her faith. He said devout Jehovah's Witnesses must be like Jesus, who refused to become a king.
"The early Christians refused to hold office, and [Ms. Hundley's decision] is in the same vein," Mr. McEachern said. "We were really very happy that she did it, but it was her decision."
Ms. Hundley's resignation was a relief to her mother, who didn't find out about her daughter's elected office until after she had taken it.
"I'm really proud of Jennifer for everything she's done," Ellie Hundley said. "As with any parent, you get anxious when the children move outside of the guidelines you have set for them. I think the changes she is making are for her good."
Decision stirs emotions
Ms. Hundley's decision has produced some emotional reaction among school staff.
On Friday, for example, student government adviser Kenneth Rucker became visibly agitated when a news photographer inadvertently took pictures of Ms. Hundley in front of the U.S. flag -- an image that to him seemed to contradict her belief that Jehovah's Witnesses shouldn't have allegiance to any political system.
"Try explaining that one to me," he said to Ms. Hundley. "I'm thoroughly confused." He refused to comment further to a reporter.
Despite her resignation, the school administration continues to see Ms. Hundley as a model of student leadership.
Atholton Principal Roger Plunkett still lists her as student president on the marquee outside the school's main office and often refers to her as "Madam President."
"I was disappointed and shocked," Mr. Plunkett said of her decision to step down. "Of all the students I've worked with, she has more influence with teachers and administrators than any other."
And despite her resignation, Mr. Plunkett still expects Ms. Hundley to remain active in school affairs.
'A lot of strength'
"Jennifer has a lot of strength, a lot of leadership skills," he said. "The world will hear a lot about Jennifer Hundley."
Even though she no longer holds an elected position, Ms. Hundley, who was replaced by her vice president, senior Andy Neuwelt, helps organize events such as pep rallies and a countywide student speak-out. And she'll be the speaker at a student learning conference in May.
"I can still initiate projects," Ms. Hundley said. "I want to start things up. I want to make things happen."