Education: Christmas in the Classroom

Chances are that no one would object if a school put children's drawings of snowmen and candy canes in its windows at Christmastime—but how about stars and angels? Questions like this have become pertinent since the Supreme Court's 1962 school-prayer decision. But they are difficult to answer. Unable to define a consistent policy toward what is both a religious and a secular holiday and a major event in Western culture, most school officials have adopted a hands-off policy. They generally leave principals and teachers free to organize whatever parties, pageants and other observances...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!