Running Head: DECEMBER DILEMMAS: CHRISTMAS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 1

Hannah Silva

EDU 345

Spring 2018

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Running Head: DECEMBER DILEMMAS:CHRISTMAS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2

One of the biggest, most controversial subjects within public school systems today is

religion. From elementary schools to high schools, celebration of religion and cultural diversity

is something that is widely struggled with and unaccepted by many. Muslims, Jewish, Christians,

and many other religions all have their struggles within public schools especially when it comes

to upholding freedom to religion. Personally, one of the most interesting and tragic controversies

that has recently gained foothold in the United States is the celebration of Christmas.

The authors of this research article, (Russo, Mawdsley, 2001) explore a specific case in

which the court challenged a school’s display of a crèche scene in their decorations. This case

held an argument pertaining to whether or not the crèche violated the school’s code of

“endorsing specific religion” or in this case, Christianity. This does not only pertain to creches,

however; this is also an argument that spreads to “Merry Christmas”, the Reason for the Season,

certain Christmas songs, and much more. Even including Santa Clause as his true original

connection to Christianity can be forbidden under the guise of imposing Christianity on students

(this argument also applies to menorahs and other religions’ celebrations of the holiday season).

The authors of this case study posed three specific questions that were brought to light

from this scenario. First, can schools allow celebration of all religious traditions that take root in

the holiday season? Secondly, can public officials refuse to celebrate all religious holidays?

Thirdly, can public officials pick and choose different holidays to celebrate over others? All

three of these questions can be brought up under the Establishment Clause, but are still gray

areas within school law. The authors ultimately decide that there is no one specific answer, but

the celebration of holidays depends on the school officials and their personal beliefs.

This thread of discord between the Court and the schools system concerning holidays

does have a big impact on educators. Every teacher may have a different way of celebrating the
Running Head: DECEMBER DILEMMAS:CHRISTMAS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2

holiday season, and may want to share their traditions with their students. However, the students

may also come from different backgrounds and religions that may or may not celebrate

Christmas in the same ways as the educator. This may cause serious problems for the educators

within the public school system, as the court is easily involved when there is controversy over

things of religion. Educators must tread lightly in this area and be sure not to “favor one religion

over another” or influence their students’ way of thinking.

Overall, this article was a bit frustrating to read as a passionate advocate of Christmas,

but it was enlightening to possible dangers that educators may encounter within the public school

system. In the end, this is a subject remains controversial and is one that educators can only hope

will be resolved in the near future.

Running Head: DECEMBER DILEMMAS:CHRISTMAS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2

Russo, C. J., & Mawdsley, R. D. (2001). December dilemmas: The celebration of Christmas in

American Public Schools. Education and the Law,13(4), 381-387.