In Nebraska, an elementary school principal has been placed on leave after instructing teachers to avoid Christmas-themes decorations to avoid offending students who do not celebrate the holiday.
Jennifer Sinclair, principal of Manchester Elementary School sent out a memo to teachers earlier in the week, mapping out a list of rules to consider when selecting classroom decorations and assignments. According to a report by a local Fox affiliate, the list of acceptable themes included sledding, scarves, and the Frozen character Olaf.
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Other decorations like Santa, Christmas trees, reindeer, green and red colors and candy canes were prohibited. Sinclair reasoned that "Historically, the shape is a ‘J’ for Jesus. The red is for the blood of Christ, and the white is a symbol of his resurrection." She reportedly added, “This would also include different colored candy canes.”
While Sinclair's reasoning is a popular tale, explaining the historical context of candy canes, it is also a highly refuted claim that has never been concretely proven.
The Elkhorn School District released a statement, asserting that “the memo does not reflect the policy of Elkhorn Public Schools regarding holiday symbols in the school.” The policy indicates that “Christmas trees, Santa Claus and Easter eggs and bunnies" may be used as teaching aids as long as they do not disrupt students.
