Mark's Notebook

Judge allows religious theme

Washington Times

By Julia Duin

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order this week that allows students in Plano, Texas, schools to hand out religious messages during classroom holiday parties, decorate in Christmas colors and use religious-themed holiday decorations.

A Dec. 6 letter to fourth-grade parents at Thomas Elementary from six teachers asks for Hershey's kisses, sugar cookies and white napkins and plates for a Winter Break party yesterday. It says parents were instructed to avoid red- and green-colored decorations, candy and icing on the cookies because of the colors' association with the holiday.

"Last year, parents were instructed to not bring any religious symbols to decorate the classroom with," attorney Kelly Shackelford said, "but they were asked to bring snowflakes, sleds and 'snowpeople.' They couldn't say 'snowmen.' People who sink to that level of [political correctness] I can't understand."

District officials said, "[The district] fosters acceptance of all cultures and welcomes the celebration of our diversity during the Winter Break parties."

A student attempting to pass out pencils with "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" had them confiscated. The student's mother went to the school to complain, and when she left upset, she was overheard saying, "Satan is sure in this building," which prompted the principal to call police. Officers confronted the mother on school property, he said.

"They asked her what sort of threat she had made and when she told them, they started laughing," he added.

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20041217-114549-6147r.htm

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Last updated Tuesday 13 May 2008