December 4, 2006
Dear Editor,
As the Christmas holiday approaches, I want to be among the first to say “thank you” to Delaware educators for all of their contributions and accomplishments in our public schools this year. On behalf of the school parents of the 21st District let me say, “You are appreciated.”
As we prepare to observe Christmas 2006, I am also writing with an additional purpose in mind. I would like to offer guidance regarding classroom discussions of religion during the holidays. My concern is that some students are not being fully educated about Christmas due in part to misperceptions about how to handle religious topics in public schools.
Sadly, some students have never learned the real meaning of Christmas because some schools are overly cautious about violating the constitutional separation of church and state. While I can understand this hesitance, let me assure you that teaching the history and meaning of Christmas, Passover, Hanukkah, etc. does not violate the Constitution. According to Finding Common Ground, a First Amendment guide to religion and public education published by the First Amendment Center, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a ruling by a lower federal court allowing the recognition of religious holidays “if the purpose is to provide secular instruction about religious traditions rather than to promote the particular religion involved” (Florey v. Sioux Falls School District, 8th Cir., 1980). It is important to exercise this right because there are some groups in society that are actively encouraging public schools to substitute discussions of religious heritage with non-religious, “politically correct” celebrations. But the fact is courts have upheld the constitutionality of such school policies. The document states, “Teachers must be alert to the distinction between teaching about religious holidays, which is permissible, and celebrating religious holidays, which is not. Recognition of and information about holidays may focus on how and when they are celebrated, their origins, histories and generally agreed-upon meanings.”
Religious discussion and the use of religious symbols, such as a cross, menorah, Star of David, crèche or other symbols that are a part of religious holidays, are permitted as teaching aids provided they are displayed as examples of the cultural and religious heritage of the holiday and are temporary in nature. Having said this, my hope is that there is still time for educators to adjust their school celebration plans for the holidays so as to include a teaching on the religious heritage, etc. of the holiday(s) themselves.
It is my opinion that Santa Claus and reindeer, while traditional symbols of the Christmas holiday, do not convey the true meaning of Christmas. Trees and glitter are also no substitute for the Nativity scene and the Star of Bethlehem. On behalf of the school parents I represent and the parents around the state interested in the preservation of holiday historyand meaning, I want to say thank you and Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Pamela S Maier
State Representative
21st District
Editor’s note: Rep. Pam Maier, a member of the House Education Committee, is an adjunct instructor at Delaware Technical and Community College and volunteers in Delaware public schools.
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