A school district in southern Westchester is caught in a controversy between free speech and staying politically neutral.

Administrative assistant Lois Miceli says Pelham Union Free School District officials made her take off her "thin blue line" flag mask last Friday.

She says she always wears a "thin blue line necklace" to work, and recently started wearing the symbol on her mask - until Friday.

"I was told that by wearing it, I was making a political statement. I was shocked, I was taken aback, I was insulted," she says

But Miceli says she wears it to honor her son, who's a 10-year NYPD officer, and all law enforcement.

Earlier in the week, the district sent out an email to faculty and staff reminding them about their policy to remain politically neutral. It read in part, "it is more important than ever for staff to demonstrate political neutrality so that we can assist our students in maintaining an environment of fair and balanced civil discourse."

Miceli argues the district isn't enforcing this when they allow some staff to make their point while she is censored.

On Monday, she returned to work with a regular mask but the "thin blue line" still dangling from her neck.

News 12 made multiple attempts over several days to speak with district officials. A spokesperson told News 12 they have "no comment."