Are public schools allowed to have holiday displays on school property?It really depends on the circumstances. The general rules about a holiday display on school or other government property are these: - If it promotes religion, it's probably not okay.
- If it includes some religious stuff as part of a mostly secular (non-religious) display, then it's probably okay.
Look at a few examples: NOT O.K. - Nativity Scene by itself
- Menorah by itself
O.K. - Nativity scene surrounded by plastic reindeer and a Santa Claus
- Menorah next to a Christmas tree and a banner celebrating liberty
If the overall message of a display is religious, then the display is unconstitutional. But if the overall message is one of cultural diversity or a general celebration of the winter holidays, then it’s probably constitutional. So, can my school put up a Christmas tree in December?It depends. It’s probably okay because the Christmas tree is not considered by the courts to be a religious symbol—particularly if it’s included with other secular symbols of the season. It’s a different story, though, if the Christmas tree is decorated with religious symbols. Then it takes on a religious meaning that may not be okay at school. Can we sing Christmas carols in class or at a holiday concert?There isn’t a clear answer to your question. Christmas carols can be religious (“Silent Night”) or secular (“Frosty the Snowman”). Secular Christmas carols are more likely to be okay for you to sing. And if you sing a few Christmas carols as part of a secular holiday celebration, then it’s probably okay too. So, would it be okay if our school had a play in December showing how different students and teachers celebrate Christmas, Ramadan and Hanukkah?A play that explores how various people celebrate holidays might be okay. Schools are allowed to teach about religious holidays, or to celebrate the secular parts of the holidays. But they can’t observe holidays as religious events. So, a school play that has a specific religious message—like one celebrating the birth of Christ—would violate the constitution by promoting one religion.
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