The Batavia School Board has voted to restore the word “Christmas” in an elementary school musical play, despite at least one parent’s concern that this illegally teaches religion.
Earlier, Supt. Ed Cave had decided to remove references to “Christmas” and replace them with “holiday” in “Prehistoric Christmas,” a play to be presented by White School 1st and 2nd graders.
“That was a proper decision,” school board President Annette Ruh said Tuesday, but it met with criticism from parents who did not want the word “Christmas” removed. Cave’s decision was based on a parent’s complaint that by including the word “Christmas,” the play taught religion in the public school.
More Top Picks Best Waterproof Chelsea Boots Womens
In its special meeting Monday night, the board reversed the superintendent’s decision and decided that, after Tuesday’s election, the board will form a committee to devise a policy on religious issues, Ruh said.
Ruh said the board made its decision after studying the legal issues and considering the comments of parents. Of the 200 who attended the special meeting, Ruh said most appeared to favor retaining the word “Christmas.”
“The legalities are very confusing,” Ruh said.