Principals Bans Christmas

Tags: Currents Faith

Currents News Staff

In a two-page memo sent to teachers and staff at Manchester elementary, Principal Jennifer Sinclair laid out her list — highlighting quote “not acceptable practices” during the holiday season.

That list, banning Christmas in the classroom, including candy canes because they symbolize a ‘j’ for Jesus. No Santas or Christmas trees are allowed, either.

On the “acceptable items” list: snowmen, penguins and holidays around the world.

In her memo Sinclair calls the list inclusive and culturally sensitive to all students. She signs it the quote “Unintentional Grinch who stole Christmas from Manchester.”

Mat Staver is the founder of Liberty Counsel, an organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom.

“But for the fact that some school staff got us involved, she would have been the Grinch in Manchester and would have sent a very terrible message to the school district,โ€ said Staver.

Staver says the list violates the school district’s policy and first amendment laws. The counsel sent a letter to administrators last Friday.

“We were prepared had the school not responded appropriately to file suit this week,โ€ he said.

The Elkhorn school district released a statement saying administration “promptly addressed the issue.” and the memo does “not reflect the policy of Elkhorn public schools.”

A district spokesperson says the school is receiving a high volume of phone calls from concerned parents and an officer will be present at school in the coming days.