The East Syracuse/Minoa School District in Central New York is declaring war on Christmas this year, and it’s putting Santa Claus right in the crosshairs.
The district, in suburban Syracuse, sent home a letter to parents that stated that programs involving a singular tradition were not allowed to take place during regular school hours. They were directly referring to the long-standing tradition of Santa Claus visiting children in their classrooms.
Parent Patti Puma told TV station WSYR, “We are going to take [petitions] to the school board to say to them maybe there is one family who doesn’t want it, but there are a whole lot more that do and that there really is no legal precedent to take Santa Claus out of the school or to celebrate other traditions.”
What do you think - should the East Syracuse/Minoa Schools allow Santa back in the classroom?
Let them know:
E-Mail Dr. Donna DeSiato Superintendent of Schools or call the district office at (315) 434-3012
3 comments ↓
Direct quote from the letter: “As you are aware, the holiday season brings with it many diverse cultural and religious traditions. Our school district honors this diversity and our school programs are intended to educate and be considerate of the variety of beliefs and practices represented by our students and their families. …We also recognize that we must balance…commitment with respect for all of our students’ heritages and beliefs. Programs that involve singular traditions may take place in schools, but such celebrations must be voluntary, occur outside of regular school hours, and not be sponsored by the school district.” End of Quote.
Personal Experience: Visiting Santa has always been voluntary for a child to go up and see him, and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa traditions are shared in their classrooms by teachers as well on a voluntary basis, and for 7 years my children have learned about many traditions and beliefs in this school where Santa is not allowed during school hours now. Isn’t understanding and appreciating beliefs and traditions what we teach in Social Studies and History? Every holiday concert from this school has songs that are sung from around the world and from different religions. Do we then ban these songs as well for fear Santa is mentioned too? Do we then get put in a position after this decision that others will not want us to respect other religions and cultures as we do in the school holidays, concerts, etc… because Santa can not be respected as well?
We have had kids at this school for 7 years and the teachers are always respectful of all beliefs as are the kids. Santa is not displayed in any classroom, a part of any party, but yet children often eat other foods related to different beliefs or play the dreidle game.
This decision is NOT indicative of the ESM community. We embrace all people, all beliefs…it is a wonderful place to live. It is a shame that the possibility of a lawsuit as rumors circulate as the reason behind this, that we not continue to do what this country has had so much great progress in…embrace all people and expose our children to appreciate others beliefs. Also, did this parent/parents ever consider sharing his/her beliefs in the school or explaining the beliefs of others to her child rather than sheltering the child?
Thank you for bringing attention to this matter.
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