A school district in Oregon is being asked not to decorate with Santa Claus or any other Christmas-themed decorations because they are afraid it may offend students that do not celebrate the holidays. The human resources office of Hillsboro School District asked the staff to make sure their decorations are respectful and sensitive to the diverse beliefs in the community. It was asked that they do not use religious-themed decorations or images like Santa Claus. Some parents were confused why Santa was being considered a religious symbol. The school district posted an explanation on its Facebook page saying that "we had some staff members and visitors to our building indicate that they were uncomfortable and didn't feel welcome due to the overwhelming Christmas atmosphere that had been created."
1. What is your opinion on the restrictions put on Christmas decorating in their school district?
2. Do you consider Santa a religious symbol?
3. Do you think teachers and staff should be able to decorate their classrooms for Christmas?
My opinion: I kind of agree about the whole not having religious decorations up. I think people should learn to deal with other people's beliefs though. Many people do celebrate Christmas so one person being offended shouldn't ruin it for everyone. I do not consider Santa a religious symbol so I think they should be able to decorate with Santa. I think teachers and staff should be able to decorate for Christmas as long as they are aware of people's beliefs and do not express religion in their decorations.
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Replies
Great topic and well done!
I think teachers should be able to express their holiday cheer with decorations. This should even offend people if they did it. Honestly I don't think the kids really care.
I don't really consider him a religious symbol. All he does is hand out presents to little kids. He doesn't even have any religious background.
I think they were overreacting a lot. People need to calm down and stop getting offended easily these days.
I think this is stupid. If there are people that are offended they need to stop with their complaining. No, I don't consider him a religious symbol because he's not teaching a bible lesson, he's giving presents to little kids. Yes, I think they should be able to choose to decorate their classroom the way they want.
I think that it is dumb that they are putting a restriction on Christmas decorations. I feel like every body celebrates Christmas in there own ways and no body should judge them for putting up lot's of lights and ornaments. Heck ya I think that they should have a right to put what ever decorations they want in their class room.
I think that they shouldn't restrict Christmas decorations. If anything they should have other celebration decorations as to not leave anyone out. By now the kids should know that a lot of people celebrate the giving season and to not be offended by the decorations. I think that he isn't a religious symbol because all he really is is a fat guy who gives out gifts in exchange for cookies. The staff should be able to decorate their classrooms how they want.
I think it should be up to the teachers to decorate their classrooms but still they should think of there students feelings and beliefs.
I don't consider it a religious symbol. But I can see why people can think that because it is around the birth of Jesus and is consider a christian holiday.
I think it is weird that they would do that but I can see why they did they are trying to make all kids and believes feel welcome.
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