Waterbury's Reconsidering Its Christmas Decoration Decision
Reconsidering Christmas in Waterbury Monday night
By AMANDA RAUS
Updated 11:41 PM EDT, Mon, Dec 14, 2009
Remember that flap that got the city of Waterbury all over Fox News? (No, not that one from 2001...)
The Waterbury Board of Education is now taking up a new holiday policy on whether or not schools should be able to display holiday decorations.
The new policy would allow teachers to decide what’s appropriate for their classrooms, regardless of how the principal feels.
The principal at Walsh Elementary School wouldn’t allow teachers to hang Christmas decorations. The reason behind the decision was not to emphasize one religion or holiday over another. Walsh Elementary has students of different faiths and Jehovah’s Witnesses, who don’t celebrate any holidays.
Some parents don’t agree with the principal’s decision. They say all holidays should be celebrated.
"When the children can't say Merry Christmas, and a snowman is going to hand out Christmas presents, or holiday presents, that's a problem. This is Christmas, let children be children," said Robin Emond.
"I think if you have children that celebrate Christmas or Chanukah or other religions, they should be free to celebrate it," said Stanley Emond.
Yet other parents say they're glad Santa isn't present at the schools. In fact, they agree with the principal's decision to only have a winter celebration.
"We do not celebrate holidays. Therefore, whenever there used to be holiday parties and celebrations, I used to keep my children home," said Diana Baxter, who is a Jehovah's Witness.
Because there is only one celebration, which is not specific to one holiday or another, Baxter says she can now send her kids to school on those days.
"I think it’s good, it keeps the spirit. I think it’s a great thing," said Adam Perreault of Waterbury.
“I think we should have decorations because it gives the spirit of Christmas and Jesus,” said Quanzhai Love, a Waterbury Arts Magnet School student.
Mayor Michael Jarjura says his issue isn’t over holiday decorations -- it’s about overall policy.
“My concern tonight isn’t whether we’re celebrating with Santa Claus or Frosty, it’s that the policy is written would say every teacher could decide for themselves, irrespective of what the principal says and that is no command structure,” said Mayor Jarjura.
The school board did not vote on the new policy Monday, saying it will require more discussion. Members don't plan on taking it up again till next year.
First Published: Dec 14, 2009 6:39 PM EDT
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