ACLU: No Christmas
For Tennessee Schools

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee is warning all 137 public school superintendents across the state of Tennessee to refrain from winter celebrations focusing primarily on one religious holiday.

The group sent the letter citing U.S. Supreme Court decisions that support the opinion that such celebrations amount to an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.

In a news release, Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the ACLU of Tennessee, said the letter was sent in response to numerous complaints from families.

The letter states that the ACLU welcomes “holidays that teach children about a variety of holidays. We believe, however, that holiday celebrations that focus primarily on one religious holiday can result in indoctrination as well as a sense within students who do not share that religion of being outsiders to the school.”

See Full Letter Below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2010

CONTACT: Hedy Weinberg, Executive Director, (615) 320-7142

NASHVILLE – Responding to numerous complaints from families about religious holiday activities in Tennessee public schools, the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) sent a letter late yesterday to the 137 public school superintendents across the state.  The letter reminded school officials that holiday celebrations focusing primarily on one religious holiday amount to a school’s unconstitutional endorsement of religion.

“The founders of the United States believed in the significance of religion.  But they also understood that decisions about when and how to practice religion are best left to individuals, families and religious institutions,” said Hedy Weinberg, ACLU-TN Executive Director.  “During the holiday season, it is especially important that we all embrace the constitutional guarantees of the First Amendment in order to ensure that religious freedom flourishes.”

The ACLU-TN letter cites several U.S. Supreme Court decisions, explaining that “While public schools can teach about religion and religious holidays, public schools may not engage in indoctrination.  Thus comparative religion courses can be taught but endorsing religious doctrine or sponsoring religious activities is unconstitutional.”

The letter further explains, “[ACLU-TN] welcome[s] holiday celebrations that teach children about a variety of holidays.  We believe, however, that holiday celebrations that focus primarily on one religious holiday can result in indoctrination as well as a sense within students who do not share that religion of being outsiders to the school.”


If you would like to contact the Tennessee ACLU to let them know how you feel about the matter, see contact information below.

To Contact Us:

By Mail:

ACLU of Tennessee (ACLU-TN)
P. O. Box 120160
Nashville, TN 37212

By Phone:

(615) 320-7142

*We do not accept general correspondence or requests for assistance via email or fax. Please call us or write us instead.*

 

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