An elementary school principal in Nebraska was put on leave last week, after she sent out a memo that basically said anything Christmas-related wasn't allowed in classrooms . . . like candy canes, Christmas music, and pictures of Santa.
A memo, signed by Principal Jennifer Sinclair as "The (Unintentional) Grinch who stole Christmas (from Manchester)," includes a list of Christmas-related items and activities that were banned.
Here are some of the things that were on the list:
- Using images of Santas or Christmas items on worksheets.
- Trees in classrooms.
- Elf on the shelf.
- Singing carols.
- Playing Christmas music.
- Sending a scholastic book that's also a Christmas book.
- Making ornaments as gifts.
- Reindeer.
- Christmas videos/movies and/or characters from Christmas movies.
The strangest thing on the "not acceptable" list was candy canes. According to Sinclair, the shape of a candy cane strongly represents Christianity.
The memo was obtained by nonprofit Christian ministry group Liberty Counsel, which sent a letter urging the school to reverse the ban. They argued that it violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution by showing hostility toward Christianity.
But the ban didn't last: Kara Perchal, a spokeswoman for the school district, said the Principal has been placed on administrative leave.
Good.
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