There is actually an elementary school principal in Nebraska that is currently on administrative leave after asking teachers to not celebrate Christmas in classrooms. Seriously, there was a memo and everything!
This internal memo had a ton of stuff on the list and it included a list of Christmas-related items and activities that could not be used in class.
This is a real list that this Principal made!!!!
Using images of Santas or Christmas items on worksheets.
Trees in classrooms.
Elf on the shelf.Singing carols.
Playing Christmas music.
Sending a scholastic book that’s also a Christmas book.
Making ornaments as gifts.Reindeer.Christmas videos/movies and/or characters from Christmas movies.
And a most curious “not acceptable” item: candy canes.
According to Sinclair, the shape of a candy cane and its color strongly represent Christianity and Catholicism.
“Historically, the shape is a ‘J’ for Jesus. The red is for the blood of Christ, and the white is a symbol of his resurrection. This will also include different colored candy canes,” Sinclair wrote.
The memo was obtained by nonprofit Christian ministry Liberty Counsel, which sent a letter urging the school district to reverse the ban, saying it violates the US Constitution by showing hostility toward Christianity. The organization sent a letter to the school district demanding a response, and they did respond....they placed the principal on leave and she opted to send an apology.
“Last week, in an attempt to provide clarity, I mistakenly sent out an internal staff memo detailing what can and cannot be done in a public school surrounding the holiday season,” said the email, which was shared to WOWT by a parent.
“I wanted to reach out and make sure our families understand what occurred, and what has been done to correct the issue. I understand that the information I initially provide was incorrect and I sincerely apologize for any confusion or concern this has caused and the negative attention this issue brings to the District and Manchester.”
Kara Perchal, spokeswoman for the school district, said Sinclair has not released any other comments, and as of Thursday she has been placed on administrative leave.
Ouch!