The war on Christmas continues. First it was Starbucks getting rid of its holiday cups, now it's a principal in Brooklyn, New York who bannedChristmas, Thanksgiving, and the pledge of allegiance, at a school. Parents are less than thrilled.
Principal Eujin Jaela Kim of Sunset Park's PS 169 reportedly banned the holidays, and the pledge, because she wanted to be inclusive to the school's diverse community, reports Eyewitness News. For those not familiar with the pledge it mentions "god," which not everyone believes in.
Parents and teacher talked to Eyewitness News and said they actually felt excluded now that the new policy didn't permit for their traditions. Heartbroken 5th grader Yasmin Lucero said, "It made the school feel more like a second home, but now it just feels like normal school, doesn't have much life to it."
But on Monday afternoon the Board of Education released a statement saying Thanksgiving and the pledge of allegiance were not in fact banned. The statement also explained that there was a debate about whether Santa Claus—a figure banned alongside Christmas—was religious or not religious. According to the DOE it was a misunderstanding on Kim's part.
Spokesperson for the DOE Devora Kaye said, "We work to foster inclusive communities in our schools that welcome students and families, and celebrate the diverse values and traditions of all New Yorkers. This principal continues to work closely with her school community to ensure PS 169 is an inclusive school, meet students' and families' needs, and celebrate the values that make her community and New York City great."
Maybe Santa will forgive Kim and take her off the naughty list.
