Connecticut School Bans Santa and Christmas Trees, Celebrates “Winter”

In Connecticut’s Walsh Elementary school, Principal Erik Brown has decided to ban Christmas parties and traditional Christmas decorations. Secular symbols such as Santa Claus, and more religious items like Christmas trees are being prohibited for their “Winter Celebration.”

According to Principal Brown, “It is a state law that a public school can’t knowingly exclude children. This is not a church. It’s a school and it’s a public school. I have to do things that include every child. So what we do is celebrate winter.”

A few on the Board of Education don’t quite agree. From the Republican American:

This struck a sour chord with Board of Education member Paul D’Angelo, who said he’s received complaints from one teacher and one parent. He’s requested School Superintendent David L. Snead to send a message to all staff that Christmas celebrations are allowed.

If Snead doesn’t respond accordingly, D’Angelo says he’ll ask the Board of Education to adopt a policy forbidding principals from stopping holiday celebrations.

“There seems to be a war specifically targeted against those of the Christian faith,” D’Angelo said. “There’s not much we can do about it in the world. But I can do whatever I can as a school board member to make sure it doesn’t infest our schools.”

D’Angelo is backed by board member John E. Theriault, who said he’s asked Snead to intervene for two years. Both officials said many of Waterbury’s 20 elementary schools put up Christmas ornaments and allow Christmas parties.

“I felt there was inequity,” Theriault said. “If one school has Christmas parties for the kids, then others should too.”

Sources: NewsFifty.com, TLPM, Rep-Am

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