Isn’t the Christmas Tree a Christian symbol?

Paige SmithKendall Durham

Alan Carroll

Case Study

Ms. Halverson was in the holiday spirit and being so she decorated her bulletin board with sayings such as; “Merry Christmas”, Happy Hanukkah”, and “Happy Kwanza”. Along with these greetings she place Christmas tree in the corner of her classroom. A group of students approached her asking if the Christmas tree was purely a symbol for the Christian religion. Ms. Halverson explains to her students that no, it is not only a Christian symbol but dates back to pre Christian times. Then she opens the classroom to suggestions, wanting her students to feel heard and her classroom a more inclusive environment.

Questions for Reflection

Should Ms. Halverson have places a Christmas tree in her room? Why or why not?› We were all in agreement that there is nothing

wrong with Ms. Halverson putting a Christmas Tree in her classroom. She had various other holidays and practices recognized. She also addressed the historical and cultural facts for having the tree. After her conversation with her students she opened up a discussion desiring students imput on making their environment a more inclusive place.

Questions for Reflection

How adequate was Ms. Halverson’s explanation and justification to the students? What, if anything, would make it more adequate?› We felt her explanation or justification was

adequate enough. If anything she could have elaborated more on the origin of the tree as a Christian symbol and how it became relevant to American culture. As an example: When Kendall was in high school her

class as a whole researched of all traditional Christmas decorations. This strategy could also be used for other holidays or practices.

Questions for Reflection

What factors might appropriately affect a teachers decisions to display an object that has or could have some religious meaning?› Due to a variety of religious beliefs amongst

students or no religion at all, as educators we need to be sure we are not pushing students in one way or another with our decorations. There is a risk for negative outcomes if not careful. Example: Loss of job or lawsuit.

Questions for Reflection

Comment on the relationship between Yen and Ms. Halverson. What did Ms. Halverson say or do that would tend to foster a healthy relationship with Yen?› It is clear Yen and Ms. Halverson have a close and

comfortable relationship. Ms. Halverson must have given her students a “safe classroom” where they feel addressing issues and asking question when something is troubling them. She answered Yen’s questions respectfully and honestly. Then she proceeded to thank him for speaking up and bringing his questions to her attention. Afterward she opened a discussion to students allowing them to have input on how to make the classroom more inclusive and insuring the comfort of each student.

Activities for Extended Thinking

Discuss with a school administrator the school policies regarding the use or display of objects that have or could have some religious meaning.› We were not able to speak with an

administrator but some ideas might to: Think carefully when decorating for winter

holiday or any holiday. Make sure teaching reflect classroom diversity Use symbols as instructional aids and not as

permanent display or decoration.

Activities for Extended Thinking

List those school practices with regard to religion that are allowed and forbidden by law.› The law requires a separation of church and

state, and since public schools are considered government agencies they have to keep a constitutional balance when it comes to religion. They are required by law to allow personal expressions of religion, while simultaneously avoiding the appearance that religion enjoys any special status. The following are some religious issues that have went before the high court:

Examples

Can a school district allow students to conduct prayer over the loud speaker and before kickoff at varsity football games? No

Does a religious student club get the same rights and privileges as other clubs? Yes

Is a moment of silence really a cloaking device for a prayer? Sometimes

Is a school district required to give equal access to outside organizations that provide after school religious instruction to young children? Yes

Are the word “under God” in the pledge of allegiance unconstitutional in schools? Undecided

What do you think?

Any Questions?

Thank You!

Recommended website if you want to learn more. › www.centerforpubliceducation.org