Principal Kicks Nativity Scene Out Of School

NBC10.com ^

[Sub-Driver]

Principal Kicks Nativity Scene Out Of School Parents Want To Speak With School Officials

POSTED: 7:30 PM EST December 17, 2003 UPDATED: 8:39 PM EST December 17, 2003

A controversy over holiday decorations at a school in Montgomery County continues over the removal of a nativity scene where other holiday displays were allowed to remain.

There's a Christmas tree in the lobby of Horsham's Dorothea Simmons Elementary School, along with a Menorah and items representing Kwanzaa.

Around the corner, a holiday display is complete just in time for the school's first holiday concert in 12 years.

But there's a problem, because the decorations originally included a nativity scene.

A committee of parents showed it to the principal. She asked them to remove the nativity scene.

"I thought that it went over the top and overboard," said Principal Karen Davis. "I thought it was especially inappropriate for a public school."

Some parents don't agree, especially since the principal didn't change the Kwanzaa or Hanukkah sections.

"I don't see why it had to be taken down, if you are an atheist or whatever you are," said Carol Stevens. "It's a part of life, a part of history."

Davis said Kwanzaa isn't a religious holiday and the Menorah is much of a cultural symbol as it is a religious symbol.

"Judaism is not just a religion, it's a culture, also," Davis said. "I felt that the nativity scene was definitely promoting Christianity."

Dawn Reynolds's son attends the school and she agrees with the decision.

"It shouldn't necessarily be in the school if you don't go to a Catholic school," Reynolds said.

Officials said the school's superintendent will be meeting with parents to discuss their concerns and talk about what is the best way to represent all the different traditions during the holiday season.

[mewzilla]

"Judaism is not just a religion, it's a culture, also," Davis said. "I felt that the nativity scene was definitely promoting Christianity.

And Davis is an expert on Judaism and Christianity?

[AppyPappy]

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

[ClearCase_guy]

"It shouldn't necessarily be in the school if you don't go to a Catholic school," Reynolds said.

Apparently Jesus only means something to Catholics.

You know, perhaps a little "historical" education about the faith that is followed by the majority of Americans would benefit these students.

[Ingtar]

"Judaism is not just a religion, it's a culture, also," Davis said. "I felt that the nativity scene was definitely promoting Christianity."

Christianity is our culture, or it was, along with being a religion.

[mewzilla]

Davis really opened a can of worms with this excuse. I hope someone makes him eat it.

[mewzilla]

him=her

[JackDanielsOldNo7]

Get your kids out of the s*&t hole of public schools. Work two jobs if necessary. I do and it is worth it.

[joesnuffy]

Yep...you wanna set the wolves to howling mention the name of Jesus...
they know their time grows short

[INSENSITIVE GUY]

This principal belongs in a prison camp!The rights of a majority are all that matters!

[r9etb]

him=her

Probably explains why he/she is such an angry sort.....

[freekitty]

Hey, who is paying for that school and the salaries? I believe it's the taxpayer.

Kick the principal out on her keister.

[mewzilla]

I don't know about angry, but she is certainly ignorant.

[cars for sale]

never enuf jaw bones of an ass when ya need one
and this is NOT BIASED ?????????????????????????????

[Skooz]

Around the corner, a holiday display is complete just in time for the school's first holiday concert in 12 years.

Holiday? What holiday? Is it a Flag Day display and a Flag Day concert? Maybe a Veteran's Day display and concert? Maybe a Labor Day display and concert?

Hmmm... sure would be easier if they actually told which "holiday" they are talking about.

[steplock]

Do You Agree With A Local Principal's Decision To Remove A Nativity Scene From A Public School?
Choice Votes Percentage of 4343 Votes
Yes 446 10%
No 3897 90%
Thanks for taking our survey!


The principal looks like a radical leftist islamist to ,e - is that why? did they ask her religion?

[Xenalyte]

Officials said the school's superintendent will be meeting with parents to discuss their concerns and talk about what is the best way to represent all the different traditions during the holiday season.

Here's a wild idea . . . how about TEACHING THE KIDS SOMETHING instead of worrying about holiday decorations? That's why said kids have homes.

[Skooz]

Officials said the school's superintendent will be meeting with parents to discuss their concerns and talk about what is the best way to represent all the different traditions during the holiday season.

Uuhhh.....there is ONE. It's called Christmas.

[Sub-Driver]

the BOE should fire her butt for cause and make it an example for the rest of them...........who does she think she is?

[Xenalyte]

Schools are not for displaying decorations. Schools are for teaching and learning. Like I said, that's why every single one of said kids has a home.