An elementary school principal found themselves in some hot water when they made a rather controversial decision. It occurred at an elementary school in Nebraska and the principal has been put on leave. It seems as if they told the teachers to stop decorating classrooms with certain Christmas ornaments so they didn’t offend those who weren’t celebrating the holiday.
The principal of the Manchester Elementary School Has been identified as Jennifer Sinclair by Fox affiliate KPTM. A memo was sent from her earlier this week with new guidelines as to what is appropriate for classroom decorations and any assignments associated with the holidays.
Teachers were informed that they could do generic winter themed items, including scarves, sledding or perhaps the snowman from ‘Frozen’, Olaf. Those items were deemed appropriate.
Any decorations that would include a Christmas tree, Santa Claus, reindeer, red or green items and even candy canes would not be acceptable at the elementary school.
Interestingly, the candy canes were put on the naughty list because Sinclair thought they had a religious significance. “Historically, the shape is a ‘J’ for Jesus. The red is for the blood of Christ, and the white is a symbol of his resurrection,” she reportedly wrote. “This would also include different colored candy canes.”
“I feel uncomfortable that I have to get this specific, but for everyone’s comfort, I will,” Sinclair reportedly wrote in the memo.
The Elkhorn school district released the following as part of a statement: “the memo does not reflect the policy of Elkhorn Public Schools regarding holiday symbols in the school.”
According to the policy of the entire school district: “Christmas trees, Santa Claus and Easter eggs and bunnies are considered to be secular, seasonal symbols and may be displayed as teaching aids provided they do not disrupt the instructional program for students.”
As of Thursday morning, Sinclair is on administrative leave.