An East Texas teacher refusing state law security fingerprinting because of religious belief could lose her eligibility to stay in the classroom.

Big Sandy ISD Kindergarten teacher Pam McLaurin is suing the Texas Education Agency, attempting to stay in the classroom without being subjected to the requirement.

She has been educating students for more than two decades, but that does not exempt her from the mandatory digital fingerprint for the state criminal database. McLaurin's attorney, Scott Skelton, of Lufkin said he's not sure how the case will play out.

"She's been a teacher for over 20 years. The school board and superintendent all know her," he said. "She's willing to submit to any type of background check they might want, just not the digital fingerprint. (She) truly believes the repercussions for that fingerprint would be very serious."

McLaurin, a devout Christian, firmly believes that the digitization of her fingerprint is the biblical equivalent to the "Mark of the Beast" as mentioned in the book of Revelation — Specifically, Revelation 13:16 - 17 and 14:9 - 11, which states, "He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand and on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name... Then a third angel followed them saying with a loud voice, if anyone worships the beast and his

image and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God... He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the lamb."

She does not believe that it is just coincidence that Revelation speaks about only those with the "mark on his forehead or finger" will be able to buy or sell, since only those teachers that comply with the fingerprinting requirements will maintain their jobs, Skelton said.

Big Sandy school officials said they will support McLaurin as much as possible.

"We're not sure what our course of action will have to be until we talk to our attorney," said Big Sandy Supt. Kenneth Graham. "We are 100 percent behind Mrs. McLaurin. We do not want to lose her. We think it would be a detriment to the children and we will do whatever we legally can do to support her."

McLaurin's teaching certification became inactive on Saturday.