How These Grinches are Stealing Christmas
- Mary Pat Kolenik '26
- Dec 5, 2023
- 2 min read
As Christmas arrives, families’ homes are once again filled with holiday cheer and joy. However, holiday decorations may not return to some public schools.
School boards across the country are trying to prevent teachers from adorning classrooms with religiously themed decorations. School administrators believe holiday decorations defy the 1962 Supreme Court ruling that bans school-sponsored prayer in public schools. However, some Christmas decorations and symbols like Santa Claus and Christmas lights have lost their religious meaning and are seen more as traditions or winter symbols. According to The Washington Post, “Christmas trees can be brought into a school and decorated because a court has ruled the Christmas tree is a secular object.” However, the Supreme Court ruling allows students to organize religious activities, such as leading prayer groups on campus, so it seems reasonable that religious decorations should be permitted as well.
Various public schools claim that holiday decorations can make some students feel isolated because they are either atheist or feel like their religion is underrepresented. Some schools argue it is unfair for students to be propagating their religion in school, but holiday decorations are more of a celebration than propaganda. Forbidding students to practice their religion or simply celebrate a holiday causes more isolation.
This decision also proves unpopular with parents. Principal Jennifer Sinclair of Manchester Elementary School in Omaha, Nebraska was placed on administrative leave after banning Christmas-related items in the school, including Christmas trees, reindeer, and even the colors red and green. She claimed she made the rule change because of “cultural sensitivity.” Sinclair received major backlash from parents and students. By banning religious symbols and decorations, schools are essentially taking away students’ first amendment right: freedom of religion.
Charles C. Haynes, an expert on religious liberty in American public life, says, “It’s true that some public school officials still misunderstand (or ignore) the First Amendment by censoring student religious expression that is protected under current law. But when challenged in court, they invariably lose.” The tyrants who ban holiday decorations are defying the Constitution. While basic morality should convince one to allow holiday decorations in schools, it is also a law that everyone should be able to practice their religion.
No matter if you devoutly celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa or put up a Christmas tree just for fun, children should be able to decorate their schools with holiday decorations. Students have the right to adorn schools with symbols, secular or not, in celebration.
