Petition: Alternatives to Removal of the Giving Tree
39 Comments
J
Jasmine Cui
12 years ago
I'm not Christian but I like trees. Don't hate trees. Do the nice thing and love trees. Do the nice thing and give us the giving tree. :')
A
Anonymous
12 years ago
Featured
The Giving Tree is not merely a decoration, it is a place charity and giving, and getting rid of the project because not everyone celebrates the holiday the tree represents seems to go against the spirit of the holidays and Harley. If the tradition lives on with different decorations, so be it, but removing it seems foolish.
A
Anonymous
12 years ago
former faculty member who chaerishes this tradition
M
Matthew Rittler
12 years ago
It is not the Harley way to take things away. :(
D
Dylan Wainwright
12 years ago
I am appalled that this is happening. This is silly and incredibly pointless for them to take away the tree. If someone gets offended because we're helping people then that's a shame. We are an independent school. We embrace all religions. If you're going to take away the tree, then take away Elf Day, take away the cookies, ban people from wearing santa hats, let alone ban candlelight! This is utterly absurd.
A
Arthur Fan
12 years ago
Taking away the tree would be unfair to the students as a whole, because it will take away one of the important aspects of Harley, which is unique because of the tree. This alternative seems to be a much better idea than to take away the whole tree without the consent of the students.
A
AJ Torre
12 years ago
t r e e
S
Shayne Hollands
12 years ago
Festivus! Aluminum pole instead of a tree :P
A
Anonymous
12 years ago
Save the dam tree you selfish old people!!!
D
Derek Kronenberger
12 years ago
LETS GET OUR TREE BACK
L
Lilly Scalia
12 years ago
In no way does THE GIVING tree represent one religion, I don't understand why people have to fuss over /a tree/. They should think of all the good this tree is doing! It's helping people and charities, not promoting one single religion! The tree should stay!
D
Dom Liotti
12 years ago
Show me a religion that looks down upon giving to those in need and I'll burn the tree myself.
N
Nate Knauf
12 years ago
This charity is a great thing for the community and the apparent 'religious connotations' are irrelevant and not present in the tree, a symbol of a secular holiday that has NOTHING to do with christianity, whatever namesake it may have.
J
Jackson Baron
12 years ago
I completely agree.
A
Aquil Sheikh
12 years ago
I just like trees.
B
Brandon Hsiao
12 years ago
opcode0xe9
T
Tim Wainwright
12 years ago
Featured
Is not the Mandala a religious symbol? We embrace that event as a learning moment - teaching peace, self realization and charitable works. How does realizing a charitable event using a symbol of Christianity differ? Those who are uncomfortable with this event should implement a new a tradition that can highlight their beliefs to further enhance our children's experience. We are an inclusive community - share and teach - do not take away our water down this positive event. So short sighted in the education of our children.
E
Emily Hanss
12 years ago
Featured
With such a strong emphasis on mindfulness and empathy at Harley, I am disappointed that this tradition of charity is being taken away from the students.
E
Eddy Wang
12 years ago
Featured
I gave to the Giving Tree multiple times when I was at Harley, and it is a powerful reminder that there are people who have much less than we do and that we truly should spread the holiday cheer. I think there is a better solution.
I'm not Christian but I like trees. Don't hate trees. Do the nice thing and love trees. Do the nice thing and give us the giving tree. :')
The Giving Tree is not merely a decoration, it is a place charity and giving, and getting rid of the project because not everyone celebrates the holiday the tree represents seems to go against the spirit of the holidays and Harley. If the tradition lives on with different decorations, so be it, but removing it seems foolish.
former faculty member who chaerishes this tradition
It is not the Harley way to take things away. :(
I am appalled that this is happening. This is silly and incredibly pointless for them to take away the tree. If someone gets offended because we're helping people then that's a shame. We are an independent school. We embrace all religions. If you're going to take away the tree, then take away Elf Day, take away the cookies, ban people from wearing santa hats, let alone ban candlelight! This is utterly absurd.
Taking away the tree would be unfair to the students as a whole, because it will take away one of the important aspects of Harley, which is unique because of the tree. This alternative seems to be a much better idea than to take away the whole tree without the consent of the students.
t r e e
Festivus! Aluminum pole instead of a tree :P
Save the dam tree you selfish old people!!!
LETS GET OUR TREE BACK
In no way does THE GIVING tree represent one religion, I don't understand why people have to fuss over /a tree/. They should think of all the good this tree is doing! It's helping people and charities, not promoting one single religion! The tree should stay!
Show me a religion that looks down upon giving to those in need and I'll burn the tree myself.
This charity is a great thing for the community and the apparent 'religious connotations' are irrelevant and not present in the tree, a symbol of a secular holiday that has NOTHING to do with christianity, whatever namesake it may have.
I completely agree.
I just like trees.
opcode0xe9
Is not the Mandala a religious symbol? We embrace that event as a learning moment - teaching peace, self realization and charitable works. How does realizing a charitable event using a symbol of Christianity differ? Those who are uncomfortable with this event should implement a new a tradition that can highlight their beliefs to further enhance our children's experience. We are an inclusive community - share and teach - do not take away our water down this positive event. So short sighted in the education of our children.
With such a strong emphasis on mindfulness and empathy at Harley, I am disappointed that this tradition of charity is being taken away from the students.
I gave to the Giving Tree multiple times when I was at Harley, and it is a powerful reminder that there are people who have much less than we do and that we truly should spread the holiday cheer. I think there is a better solution.