Who can keep the “Christ” in Christmas.
“What? That’s crazy!” Christina Lupo ’14 said when she found out about the newly enforced school rule; a Christmas tree must be called a Holiday tree.
Enforced this year, the rule was set because of the first amendment which was a guarantee that the government cannot endorse religion. The Christmas tree, originated many years ago, because the Evergreen pine tree, was the only tree that “stayed alive” during the winter. It was decorated with apples and various items, nothing that was generally related to Christianity. It was later adopted by a group of Christians as a tradition. The Christmas Tree, is not symbolic for anything, just decoration. And yet, it must be called a Holiday Tree by all staff.
“No where in the Bible does it reference a Christmas Tree” Dana Hoskins Dean of Students at L’Anse Creuse High School North said.
Correct, the Christmas Tree is not referenced in the Bible, so why is it a big deal for teachers to call it what they practice at home?
“ I think that’s whack man. Just because certain religions don’t celebrate Christmas doesn’t mean it should take the way the rights of our teachers, by calling it what they practice. Send the people who don’t like it, back where they came from!” Allura Collins’ 14 said.
Students of L’Anse Creuse High School- North, agree that teachers should be able to call it what they wish. Teachers, are not different from students, they usually worship the same God, so whats the big difference?
According to students in religious clubs, they are not happy at all with this. They believe that teachers should have the same right as students, in the perspective that they should be able to decide on themselves, what they wish to call things during the holiday times.
“ I don’t believe in God, and I call it a Christmas Tree. It’s no big deal if the teachers do too! It’s a tradition, it’s just a name! I think people should be able to call it what they want!” Owen Vantiem ’14 said.
Is there technically anyone who minds if there teachers reference the tree as what they want? The teachers of L’Anse Creuse High School- North, do not try to enforce their religion to anyone. They matter of fact, don’t even rarely share, unless it is the lesson taught.
Katie Porter’ said; “ I think teachers can call it what they want, they have just as many rights as we do. They are entitled to their own religion, it doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable, if a teacher has something of their own religion in there room.”
Ashley Kling, who is the vice president of S.T.A.T.I.C (students taking action together in Christ) said “ Personally, I express my love for God in school in many ways. I wear clothes with religious meanings,, I prefer to say, “God bless you” instead of “bless you”. When someone says to me “Happy Holidays” I return with a “Merry Christmas”. I talk openly about my faith when I am talking in a public place. I am not going to let anyone tell me what my limits are, on being the hands and feet of God, and I don’t think they should deprive teachers either.”
“ I’m half Jewish, and I call it a Christmas Tree, it’s a label, not a symbol.” Miss. Alissa Arden; English, said.
Students who practice religion are upset, that teachers can’t be open about it. They look for day to day role models of who is passing on God’s word, and with this rule being enforced, it’s hard to find.
“In previous years, I have called it what I always do- a Christmas Tree. Because that is what it is called, and even though I was a teacher, and I did encourage faith, I did not force it. If I was still teaching today, I would in fact call it a Christmas tree, and they could fire me because, I’m not denying Jesus in my life, not matter where I am.” Mr. John Robinson, Former Teacher.
“If you deny me in front of your friends on Earth, I will deny you in front of my father.” Matthew 10:33-34- The Holy Bible.
If that is true, what are teachers supposed to do? Lie about their life, and what they truly do believe in?
Teachers of all grades, should be allowed the god given right to call items what they want according to their religion, even if they are Christian. It should be allowed to call whatever the being wishes.
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