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Council Debating Whether to Allow Baby Jesus into Schools
By
Billy Parker
Published Jan 14, 2009
Modified Jan 14, 2009
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By
Billy Parker
Published Jan 14, 2009
Modified Jan 14, 2009
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City Council will begin hearing the case today to allow nativity scenes to be displayed in New York City public schools. While menorahs, Christmas trees, stars and crescents are allowed along hallways and in front offices during the holiday season, the Department of Education views nativity scenes, or crèches, as purely religious. Council member Simcha Felder believes so strongly in the Department's policy that he not only opposes the resolution, but would rather all religious symbols be taken out of the schools. He told the Times, “If it’s offending anybody, let there be nothing." But Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights President William Donohue is pushing the Council to include room for créches, the same way he says he would if Jewish or Islamic symbols were banned, arguing, “I can’t imagine any Jews and Muslims being offended by this. What are we left with? A few angry atheists?”
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City Council
holiday decoartions
nativity scene
public schools
Simcha Felder
Billy Parker
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