Liberty Counsel Offers Schools Defense Against Hostility Toward American Holidays

Apr 15, 2016

Lynchburg, VA – Liberty Counsel sent a letter offering a pro bono defense of Lynchburg City Schools if they are questioned for continuing time-honored cultural activities and other public school commemorations of traditional American holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
 
In the wake of a middle school staff member’s disruption during a gospel choir concert, Lynchburg City Schools now have suffered criticism from Mayor Michael Gillette for allowing “Easter” egg hunts and “Easter” bonnet parades, because of the Christian religious aspects of the holiday. Since the holiday has both religious and secular aspects, public schools may sponsor related activities without censoring the word “Easter” or foregoing the events.

Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, “The United States Supreme Court has actually held that the Constitution requires accommodation and forbids hostility toward any religion. Suppression of the words “Easter” or “Christmas” is hostility toward Christianity and ignores the cultural aspects of these holidays in American life. Any child whose religious beliefs prevented his participation could be easily accommodated, but the name “Easter” should not be censored, and children’s activities should not be banned, as suggested by the mayor,” said Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.

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