Case 19 By: Danielle & Marianne

Introduction  Address the appropriateness of placing a Christmas tree in the classroom  Was explanation of intent adequate  Factors that affect a teacher’s decision to display religious symbols  Comment on student/teacher relationship  Ideas to extend knowledge beyond classroom  Answering Yen’s question  List school practices allowed and not allowed by law

Question 1  Should Ms. Halverson put a Christmas tree in her classroom?  Yes, it is her call  She is trying to incorporate all the “holidays” in her class  “Probably okay because the Christmas tree is not considered by the courts to be a religious symbol” (ACLU student rights handbook)

Question 2  Was Ms. Halverson’s explanation of intent adequate? What would make it more adequate?  She explained that the tree was meant as a “holiday” symbol; not just Christian  Go into the history of the symbol of the Christmas tree  Possibly consider studying other traditional symbols

Question 3  Factors that should affect a teacher’s decision to display religious symbols  Is the display allowed in the school  Students/parents that may practice another religion or no religion

Question 4  Relationship between Ms. Halverson and Yen  What did Ms. Halverson say or do that tend to affect her relationship with Yen?  Antagonistic- he left before he received an answer  Felt embarrassed because the teacher had an appropriate answer to his question

Question 5  What could Ms. Halverson and her students do to extend their new knowledge beyond their own classroom?  Research what is allowed by law to be displayed  Create a simply worded policy to display in class and throughout the school

Question 6  Answering Yen’s final question  Tell Yen the truth  Do not elaborate on details

Extended thinking  List of school practices with regard to religion  There was no definitive answer, the word “probably” was used in answer

Extended thinking  Allowed by law Mostly secular display that includes some religious stuff Overall message is one of cultural diversity  Not allowed by law Display promotes any religion Overall message is religious

Conclusion  It is okay to incorporate “holiday” symbols into classroom with caution  Explanation of intent should be made before display is put up  School practices should be made known to staff, parents and students at beginning of year  Be honest with students without promoting own beliefs

Work Cited  ACLU student rights handbook t.asp?id=201320%2D t.asp?id=201320%2D21047