The December Dilemma

By J. Brent Walker

BJC E-mail Alert
December 22, 2004

The "December Dilemma" -- how to recognize winter religious holidays in the public schools -- has returned with a vengeance this year. The season in which Christians celebrate the advent of the Prince of Peace has turned into a battlefield for the culture war. Charges and countercharges (some valid, some exaggerated and all overheated), media hype and even lawsuits threaten the merriment of the season.

We all would do well to take a deep breath, exercise some common sense and think about the reason public schools exist -- to educate our children.

The BJC, along with a dozen diverse religious and education groups, came up with the following solution to the December Dilemma more than a decade ago. Based on constitutional principles and sound education policy, it's still good advice today:

Decisions about what to do in December should begin with the understanding that public schools may not sponsor religious devotions or celebrations; study about religious holidays does not extend to religious worship or practice.

Does this mean that all seasonal activities must be banned from the schools? Probably not, and in any event such an effort would be unrealistic. The resolution would seem to lie in devising holiday programs that serve an educational purpose for all students -- programs that make no students feel excluded or identified with a religion not their own.

Holiday concerts in December may appropriately include music related to Christmas and Hanukah, but religious music should not dominate. Any dramatic productions should emphasize the cultural aspects of the holidays. Nativity pageants or plays portraying the Hanukkah miracle are not appropriate in the public school setting.

In short, while recognizing the holiday season, none of the school activities in December should have the purpose, or effect, of promoting or inhibiting religion.

Remember the golden rule? Let's apply it here. As a parent, I don't want school officials doing for my religion what I don't want them doing for someone else's; I shouldn't permit school officials to disparage someone else's religion if I don't want them to disparage mine. Fundamental fairness requires no less.

Hope this helps. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and healthful holidays to all of the BJC's friends.