December 13, 2009 10:42 AM
Public schools and Christmas Music: Yes, We Can!
My latest at Pajamas Media:Public Schools and Christmas Music: Yes, We Can! Yes, We Should!
When multiculturalism trumps Christmas, culture is the loser.
Believe me, I've seen my share. With five kids currently in public schools and seven graduates, I figure I've sat through at least 50 concerts -- and it would have been more if not for some intervening homeschooling years.
In fact it was my first "winter program" after eight years of homeschool that sounded an early alarm: songs of Santa, chimneys, and reindeer, plus three Chanukah and one Kwanzaa -- the latter though the school boasted only one Jewish family (non-practicing) and not a single African-American. Ninety musical minutes with nary a note about Jesus.
Of course, I know Christianity will survive whether censored out of public schools or not, but that's not the point. The obvious question -- like the headlight glare -- is this: why bend over backwards to acknowledge religious minorities while singling out Christianity for exclusion?
That first year, when I asked the principal why no Christmas carols had been included, she said, "Well, there were -- 'Jingle Bells,' 'Jolly Old Saint Nicholas' ..."
"But those aren't Christmas carols," I said. "What about the birth of Jesus?"
Deer in headlights.
"You know, I understand we're trying for multiculturalism," I suggested gently. "Aren't we part of the mix?"
Read it all at Pajamas Media
Posted in Christmas, Public schools, Religion | Permalink
Comments
My brother is a music teacher in VA and he's done Christmas concerts. He said he found a Supreme Court ruling that stated schools can have up to 50% music that is Christian oriented for Christmas concerts. But no more than 50%. I wish I knew what Court ruling it was though so I could quote it.
Posted by: Dirtdartwife | December 13, 2009 12:27 PM
Having just moved from Virginia, I have found in my limited experience that this is far more prevelant there. I am now in NJ. When I lived in VA, my kids went to Catholic School in large part b/c of the hostility toward Christianity I found in the public schools there. Here, after a brief stint in the Catholic School, I decided to move my kids to public school for a variety of reasons. I just thought I'd have to get through this season and keep my mouth shut until I figured out the best choice for the kids. Imagine my surprise when I saw Advent and books about the birth of Jesus at the recent book fairs, when my son in first grade came home with the words to Silent Night to practice for their little pagent next week, and other signs that Jesus was not banned from these schools. I am hopeful. I don't understand why things are as they are in Virginia, maybe it's the proximity to DC that makes them feel they have to be so overly politically correct. I am now thinking it must be regional, with some areas of the country more prone to this than others.
Posted by: Danielle M | December 14, 2009 11:08 AM
We are fortunate in our (VERY LIBERAL) town to have music teachers who appreciate good music. SO that must include sacred music. At our school concerts, in addition to the secular Jingle Bell fare, we hear Latin, Handel's Messsiah and church music including Gospel music. Of course you can't say Merry Christmas in the classroom lest "someone feel left out". But I love those concerts!!
Posted by: Jane | December 14, 2009 3:44 PM
