I have been inundated with e-mails, phone calls, and talk radio show questions on “why has the ASD banned students and staff from saying Merry Christmas?”
I want all of our employees to know that is NOT the case. If you will review our School Board Policy 350 on Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs and Section 350.1 Observation of Religious Holidays, you will see that we must maintain a religiously neutral position in our school district. This is not meant to say that you can’t have a Christmas tree, or say Merry Christmas, but it does mean that we cannot advocate one religion over any other.
We have some employees telling students and staff that they are not permitted to use “Merry Christmas” or that religious music cannot be used. We have guidelines distributed by our Communications Department that gives guidance on these sensitive issues. We have a very diverse work force and student population of many diverse beliefs who have a right to attend school, or come to work, and feel that their beliefs are respected, not just ignored or tolerated. We are committed to a culturally responsive curriculum and guidelines have been developed.
The key is this: public schools can teach about the different religious celebrations and customs, but cannot teach religion in our schools. This is the basis of the US Supreme Court decision on separation of church and state in our public schools. Christmas is an official federal, state, municipal, and school district holiday.
I encourage every supervisor in our district to review our School Board Policy and administrative guidelines; they can be found on this page.
December is a time of celebration and coming together to give gifts, good wishes, and kindnesses to all people. I want us to help our students understand that each and every individual has a right to their beliefs.
Thank you for taking the time to review this.
A message from Superintendent Comeau to all ASD employees