Schools Warned on Holiday Programs
The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish group that advocates strict separation of church and state, has issued a “December Dilemma” pamphlet warning public schools about observing Christmas and other religious holidays.
Pamphlets are being sent to schools, and the league posted the text on its Web page. The Constitution, it says, prohibits “school-sponsored endorsement or promotion of religious beliefs of any kind.”
Since the U.S. Supreme Court has not ruled on many specific issues, the league bases its interpretations largely on the court’s general principles and on decisions by lower federal courts.
Classes may discuss cultural aspects of religious holidays, according to the league, but shouldn’t cover just one holiday or religion. It suggests that in December, schools could study Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Bill of Rights Day and Buddhist Bodhi Day.
Choral concerts should not focus on one holiday, the league says. It also considers music that is prayerful in content just as improper as spoken school prayers.
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