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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.

Support Cultural Inclusivity: Add a Menorah to Our HOA Holiday Display!

Support Cultural Inclusivity: Add a Menorah to Our HOA Holiday Display!

Closed — 80 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Someone
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Aimee G.
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Kelly P.
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Someone
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JULIE S.
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Michael Y.
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Kristen M.
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Angie S.
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Someone
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Meridith L.
+70 more
HG
Started by Harley Greenberg 2 years, 9 months ago

I am a member of the Lonestar Ranch Homeowners Association, residing in a diverse city and state. Our association comprises individuals from various nationalities and religious backgrounds.

Annually, a portion of our membership dues is allocated towards holiday displays within our private clubhouse and activities, such as wreaths, a Christmas tree and photos with Santa.

I have made numerous requests to include a simple Menorah or dreidel in our holiday decorations to honor Hanukkah, a celebration observed by members of our association.

Regrettably, the HOA Board has consistently denied this request, citing unsubstantiated legal risks associated with adding a Menorah to our holiday display within our private building.

I respectfully contest this assessment as there is no legal basis to prevent the inclusion of a Menorah in our private clubhouse holiday display. The decision they are citing is based on a public funded building; and not our private HOA.

Amidst a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents across the United States, incorporating a Menorah would serve as an opportunity to educate our children about inclusivity and respect for all religions.

Our nation values the freedom to practice one's religion, and our Homeowners Association community should embody this commitment to religious freedom during the holiday season.

According to Pew Research Center (2014), approximately 1.9% of adults in Texas identify as Jewish – a community deserving recognition of their traditions.

Let us stand united as a community that celebrates diverse cultures and religions. Join me in urging our HOA to include a Menorah next to the Christmas tree this holiday season.

Please sign this petition if you support cultural inclusivity within our local community!

Updates

December 1, 2023

I have retained legal counsel to review the HOA governing documents regarding the board's claims of liability. We are preparing a formal letter to present at the next open board session to challenge their current policy.

14 Comments

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Michael Young Esquire
2 years ago Featured

I support the display of a menorah or dreidel separately from the Christmas tree (not next to) within the Lonestar Ranch clubhouse.

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Ellie Coffey
2 years ago Featured

I am Jewish I’ve lived here since 2010 and I’ve never seen our community represented at all so this would be a nice gesture

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Abigail Holland
2 years ago Featured

“Amidst a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents across the United States, incorporating a Menorah would serve as an opportunity to educate our children about inclusivity and respect for all religions.”

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Deborah Carey
2 years ago Featured

Seriously cannot believe this was denied. All holidays for this time of year should be honored. I cannot believe this lesson still needs to be taught and learned.

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Michelle Ames
2 years ago Featured

Inclusivity is essential. The HOA is citing that the wholly Christmas themed decorations are secular. However, they are clearly affiliated with one singular religion that has been normalized as secular. Include ALL that ask or none.

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Erica Babb
2 years ago Featured

Some of our best friends are Jewish and we would love them to be included as well

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Anonymous
2 years ago

support

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Anonymous
2 years ago

Love this!