UPDATED 9/17/10 -- Please refer to the Monroe Board of Education website for the latest draft of the policy outlined below.  In particular, it was announced this week that the Fawn Hollow Holiday Breakfast tradition will go on as scheduled.  Thank you for your concern and support.

Introduction

The Monroe CT Board of Education will soon be voting on Instruction Policy #6115.1 – Religious Observations and Displays. Within this policy, there is a possibility of students losing the right of celebrating holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, St. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and even Halloween.

We would like the support of all Monroe families, whether you currently are, have been, or will be a part of our public school system.  We believe this affects our community as a whole.  We also welcome the support of others outside of our community, as this may come to your doorstep one day!

Petition

I, the undersigned, believe in providing my child(ren) with an education that includes learning about customs and religions other than my own beliefs. I believe in the importance of diversity and how that background can create a more tolerant world for the next generation.

I want my child(ren) to learn about more than just reading, math, science and social studies. I want all of the students of Monroe to learn about the world around them and the people in it. This includes customs and holiday symbols – all of which should be discovered and celebrated.

Purpose

The purpose of this petition is to inform the Board of Education that I am against any change from the status quo regarding celebration of holidays and related gatherings.

Supporting Information

There are those that say that any reference to religion in school in any form, in any way is unconstitutional, however the concept of “separation of church and state” is based on the following line from the Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an established religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

In the prominent case of Florey vs. the Sioux Falls School District, the relevant statement follows: “It is accepted that no religious belief or non-belief should be promoted by the school district or its employees, and none should be disparaged. Instead, the school district should encourage all students and staff members to appreciate and be tolerant of each other’s religious views…”

Conclusion

Let us continue to celebrate holidays together whether they belong to us or our neighbors.

Sponsor

Links