Death Toll Revised Down to 24 After Monstrous Oklahoma Tornado…100+ Injured…Children Among the Dead…Stunning Pictures…Woman Finds Dog During Interview!

Complete Oklahoma Tornado Coverage: Current Death Toll, Incredible pictures, Behind the scenes with Beck, & amazing story of a woman and her dog

Faith

College Allegedly Tells Student Club it Can’t Sell ‘Christmas’ Trees Because They’re Associated With a ‘Christian Event’ (Updated)

Nov. 28, 2012 10:50am

This story has been updated.

Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, North Carolina, is capturing attention after school officials allegedly replaced the word “Christmas” with “holiday” in a student club’s announcement of a tree sale. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a conservative legal group, claims that the decision was made after the school told the club that the sale, which is being organized for charity, could not be promoted by the school if it was solely associated “with a Christian event.”

The B.E.S.T. Society (Building Energy Sustainable Society) is the environmental campus club at the center of the debate. According to the school’s web site (which does use the word “Christmas” to describe the trees as of Wednesday morning), the sale will continue through Dec. 6.

“It’s ridiculous that anyone would have to think twice about using the word ‘Christmas’ as part of a Christmas tree sale,” proclaimed Matt Sharp, a lawyer with ADF.

Western Piedmont Community College to Club: Cant Sell Christmas Trees

Photo Credit: AP

According to The Christian Post, though, the club sought specific language for various on-campus means of announcing the sale. The announcement initially read, ”The BEST Society will be selling Christmas Trees,” however this was changed by officials to ”The BEST Society will be selling Holiday Trees.”

In a letter by the ADF, the group claims that the “forced” change to the wording of the advertisements negatively impacted the group. Some potential customers, upset over the change from “Christmas” to “holiday,” told B.E.S.T. that they would not be purchasing trees.

“This has resulted in direct harm to the club’s fundraising activity, the proceeds of which are being used to support Angel Tree, an organization that provides Christmas gifts to children,” the ADF letter reads, going on to note that the change violates the student group’s constitutional rights.

The group is asking that the school return all language referring to “Christmas” so that no legal action is necessary. As stated, the school’s web site is currently using the holiday’s name in the ad announcing the event. It will be intriguing to see how the college responds to other means of advertising that were previously changed to “holiday.”

“Western Piedmont Community College’s B.E.S.T. Society will be selling Christmas trees now through Thursday, Dec. 6.  Tree prices are $25 for 6 to 7 foot tall trees; $30 for 7 to 8 foot tall trees, and $35 for 8 to 9 foot tall trees,” the announcement on the web site currently reads. “All trees must be pre-ordered by 5 p.m. the day before pick up with a $20 deposit; trees can be picked up on Fridays, Nov. 16 and Dec. 7 at the tennis courts on the College campus.”

Update: Fox News’ Todd Starnes reports that the college has reversed its ban. Officials are calling the action “a legitimate mistake.”

“It’s a misunderstanding based on a legitimate mistake we made,” Atticus Simpson, vice president of student development at Western Piedmont Community College, told Fox News. “We thought we were violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment by promoting the sale of Christmas trees — which we thought would be promoting one religion over another.”

(H/T: Christian Post)

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (92)

1 2 3
  • Semper4everSemper
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:49pm

    OK, this might work to finally overwhelm the anti-Christmas (anti-Christian) crowd and have such a lasting effect that this annual ‘war’ ceases. Every month on the 25th of the month, anyone who supports traditional Christmas could/should/would wear a sweatshirt that says Merry Christmas! So we can drive ‘em crazy all year long and they’ll absolutely come to dread the 25th of EVERY month. Merry Christmas!

    Report this comment

    Semper4everSemper  
    • aproudinfidel
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 1:40pm

      Love that idea, but Starbucks will never play Christmas music in July…wait a minute, they probably don’t play Christmas music in December.

      Report this comment

      aproudinfidel  
    • Grey Eagle
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 2:05pm

      The idiots at this college is beyond belief.

      Report this comment

      Grey Eagle  
    • SUNTZU
      Posted on December 5, 2012 at 1:55am

      Sell them as
      grow your own firewood

      Report this comment

      SUNTZU  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:47pm

    It’s funny that these guys are so stupid as to not know that a “Christmas Tree” has absolutely nothing to do with Christianity. They probably believe Christ hid hard boiled eggs for kids to find after He raised Himself from the dead.

    Report this comment

    SquidVetOhio  
    • JQuentinEvermann
      Posted on November 29, 2012 at 12:12pm

      But this should be proof of the open persecution of Christians. Because a symbol has been adopted by a particular religion, it must also be attacked and abolished and deemed “offensive.”

      I wonder when, exactly, it becomes obvious to “tolerant” people that they’re actually promoting the abolition of people’s personal freedoms, rights, religion, speech, feelings, etc.

      The war on Christians must be stopped or else it will turn bloody, as it always does when people turn against others. I don’t understand the liberals’ ability to be so intolerant of one group of people and their religion. I wonder if they spend half their time attacking Muslims.

      Report this comment

      JQuentinEvermann  
    • Balpit
      Posted on November 29, 2012 at 10:19pm

      The War on Christmas is like an endless swarm of killer bees. If you do nothing, they’ll sting you to death. If you run, they will chase you down. If you hide in water, they’ll wait for you to resurface and attack you as soon as you do. If you shoo them away, they’ll fly off, regroup, and come back. If you swat one, it will release pheromones, inciting the others to fight even harder.

      Report this comment

      Balpit  
  • kentuckylady
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:35pm

    And people look at you like your crazy if you say your rights are being taken away little by little. Wake the hell up people, watch and read what all is actually taken place right here.

    Report this comment

    kentuckylady  
  • alias.stone
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:22pm

    If they had their way I’m sure they’d also put Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and all the elves in front of a firing squad.

    Report this comment

    alias.stone  
    • aproudinfidel
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 1:42pm

      Unless, of course they would all state, under oath, that the toys and all were for a winter celebration.

      Report this comment

      aproudinfidel  
    • SUNTZU
      Posted on December 5, 2012 at 1:58am

      The toys being made in CHINA should be enough.

      Report this comment

      SUNTZU  
  • I Aint PC
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:17pm

    Oh the irony in all of these stories that remove “Christmas” and replace it with “Holiday.” Holiday is a slurred together word from “Holy Days” and “Christmas” is slurred together from “Christ’s Mass”. The only reason anyone removes “Christmas” from any mention is because it contains “CHRIST”. Christ was, and is, holy, so saying “Happy Holidays” is almost the same thing as saying “Merry Christmas.” Saying “Happy Holidays” just includes other celebrations such as Chanukah and whatever a Kwanza is.
    Also, the trees that they are selling in Morganton, more than likely come from a local tree farm that specializes in Christmas trees. WPCC is a small community college so I am surprised that they even made nation news.

    Report this comment

    I Aint PC  
    • MetalPatriot
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:50pm

      I understand and agree with you, but did get a good chuckle when you say, “…and whatever Kwanza is.”

      I guess I don’t get too wrapped up over Christmas because it was just another Holy Day taken over by the Catholic church from nothern european Pagans (nature based beliefs). Seemingly, most religions look to supercede each other.

      Nevertheless, it IS a culture war and “we” are losing.

      Report this comment

      MetalPatriot  
    • TEXASGRANNY73
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 1:03pm

      And a Merry Christmas to you and I ain’t PC either.

      Report this comment

      TEXASGRANNY73  
    • aproudinfidel
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 1:46pm

      I don’t shop in stores with happy holidays, xmas or the like on their windows. If you want my Christmas shopping dollars then you can by God call it Christmas.

      @metalpatriot: I think it more important to remember what kwanza isn’t.

      Report this comment

      aproudinfidel  
  • darkknight91
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:00pm

    Just tell them they’re Nimrod trees and everything will be alright.

    Report this comment

    darkknight91  
  • GuruMeditation
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:59am

    Sorry to burst your bubble but historically speaking… Christmas trees are based on pagan practices and have little to do with Christianity other than originally to allow Christians and Pagans to celebrate together to some degree during the same holiday season. As a believer in Christ, I can take or leave the tree thing as it means nothing to me. And using a real tree for such purposes is silly and a waste of time and resources IMHO. But to each his own.

    Report this comment

    GuruMeditation  
    • apexmoon
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:07pm

      So who’s bubble is being burst? The Christian saying their religious rights are being infringed. Or the secular activists that think they are actually preventing a Christian symbol from being used, when as you explained actually has pagan origins? Or both?

      Report this comment

      apexmoon  
    • The Jewish Avenger
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:16pm

      My family goes out in the woods and cut our tree since the 1960′s.

      For some reason, my great grandfather has never talked to me about an pagan relation and shockingly, I have never told it to my grandchildren.

      HOWEVER, Even Wikipedia managed to get it right…

      The custom of the Christmas tree developed in early modern Germany with predecessors that can be traced to the 16th and possibly the 15th century. It acquired popularity beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century.[1] The Christmas tree has also been known as the “Yule-tree”, especially in discussions of its folkloristic origins.[2][3]

      Pope John Paul II introduced the Christmas tree custom to the Vatican in 1982.[58] Although at first disapproved of by some as out of place at the centre of the Roman Catholic Church, the Christmas tree has become an integral part of the Vatican Christmas celebrations,[57] and in 2005 Pope Benedict XVI spoke of it as part of the normal Christmas decorations in Catholic homes.

      In 2004, Pope John Paul called the Christmas tree a symbol of Christ.

      In 2005, the city of Boston renamed the spruce tree used to decorate the Boston Common a “Holiday Tree” rather than a “Christmas Tree”.[64] The name change drew a poor response from the public and it was reversed after the city was threatened with several lawsuits

      Evidence associated with Christmas Day
      1441, 1442, 1510 and 1514

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree
      Dont forget to laugh at the E

      Report this comment

      The Jewish Avenger  
    • GuruMeditation
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:33pm

      @apexmoon: All of the above.

      Report this comment

      GuruMeditation  
    • bbatty
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:45pm

      Actually, no. Let’s burst another myth bubble. Christmas trees are pretty much Christian. The feast of Adam and Eve used to be Dec. 24 (think about that). During the medieval mystery plays that were performed in celebration on Dec. 24, the only stage prop would be the Paradise Tree decorated with apples and wafers (being winter, the tree would naturally be evergreen). The plays would end with Adam and Eve eating off the tree and the prophesy of a promised savior – thus a celebration of Adam and Eve and The Fall on Dec. 24 immediately preceded the coming of the Savior celebrated Dec. 25. When the mystery plays stopped being performed, people began to put their own private Paradise Trees up and things developed from there.

      Report this comment

      bbatty  
  • Stu D. Baker-Hawk
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:49am

    To those who are trying to sell their ‘Christmas’ trees as Christmas trees: PUSH BACK AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY ADMIN… HARD! Like the terrorists of Islam, brute force seems to be the ONLY reply that liberals understand and respect. I truly think it high time we go into an all-out war against the liberals of this nation. War in the classrooms, war in the government centers, war in the streets if need be but war… WAR! And take no prisoners.

    Report this comment

    Stu D. Baker-Hawk  
    • Trail_Jumper
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:01pm

      Ummm. I’m pretty sure that the Sermon on the Mount doesn’t have anything like that in it, Stu. I’m all for self defense, but frankly, these far left loons aren’t worth the time or effort. Personally, I think the best way of resisting these people is to flat out ignore their demands. If they don’t want to use the word Christmas, use it anyway. Mr. Beck was right when he declared, “We surround them.”.

      Report this comment

      Trail_Jumper  
    • The Jewish Avenger
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:03pm

      Update: Fox News’ Todd Starnes reports that the college has reversed its ban. Officials are calling the action “a legitimate mistake.”

      uh huh…

      Report this comment

      The Jewish Avenger  
  • BasketFullOfPuppies
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:38am

    You’re dang right that the wording violates their Constitutional rights. Freedom OF religion. Not, freedom FROM religion. I only wonder if the atheists and secularists realize that they are eroding THEIR OWN RIGHTS, by promoting this junk?

    Report this comment

    BasketFullOfPuppies  
  • MDECKER
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:36am

    These elitist school officials would look quite ridiculous with a, “holiday tree”, stuck in their keisters.

    Report this comment

    MDECKER  
  • Serenabit
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:33am

    While it’s getting far too popular for government funded institutions like this to discriminate against Christians, I honestly had to laugh when I saw the club that was trying to raise money through selling X-Mas trees. The B.E.S.T. Society (Building Energy Sustainable Society) sounds like an Agenda 21 organization to me, so essentially this is an example of progressives fighting progressives.

    Report this comment

    Serenabit  
  • My Two Cents
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:32am

    I wonder if Western Piedmont has banned head scarves.

    Report this comment

    My Two Cents  
    • 1947
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:38am

      Close the Government School. It sounds like the students aren’t getting a COMMIE EDUCATION.

      Report this comment

      1947  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:32am

    Christmas is a national holiday. So I don’t see how the school can get away with this.
    Besides, Christmas trees aren’t really Christian “related” anyway. It’s not like a nativity scene.
    Christmas trees, parties and gifts are a way for secularists to celebrate the national holiday while Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus.

    “But I know why. It’s because Christmas has Christ in it and after 2,000 years He is still intimidating people.” -From Go Fish, “Christmas With a Capitol C”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ&list=PL126A15BBDDB9590F&index=28&feature=plpp_video

    Report this comment

    Rational Man  
  • apexmoon
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:21am

    Festivus for the rest of us? Maybe they should have just sold poles.

    Report this comment

    apexmoon  
    • Obama Snake Oil Co
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:33am

      You know, 87% of Americans are christian….that is almost 90%. OK, America celebrates Christmas everyyear and its a national holiday. OK, if you live here or come here we speak english and we celebrate Christmas. If you don’t want to come here, don’t or go to another country that has similar tradition to yours. I would not be stupid enough to move to France and expect the minority, english speakers to convert or force them to speak english. Think about this folks, this college needs to stick a boot in the crack of this guy.

      Report this comment

      Obama Snake Oil Co  
    • GaltLine
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:33am

      The club should add a bright red hammer and sickle to the top of the poles and sell them as relics of governments that fail every time they are tried.

      Report this comment

      GaltLine  
    • GaltLine
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 1:11pm

      Having seen the update of the college reversing its position the club could now give its buyers a choice. They should offer their customers a choice of a Christmas tree or an Atheist”s Barren tree (a pine tree stripped of all its branches.)

      Report this comment

      GaltLine  
    • aproudinfidel
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 1:38pm

      They could call them kwanza’a trees I guess.

      Report this comment

      aproudinfidel  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:20am

    The school’s Christians and this club in particular should by following the campus rules set up speakers where they can and blare out the song “Green Sleeves” as loud as they can get away with. Wonder around the campus with it playing on their iPods, car sound systems, etc, etc, just flooding the song everywhere. Then watch the staff and faculty squirm. Of course, make certain that what ever copy of the song or downloads are properly labeled as only “Green Sleeves”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6jTgF4YQ4w

    Report this comment

    RJJinGadsden  
  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:18am

    Just another step into the Heart of Darkness.

    Report this comment

    Dismayed Veteran  
  • Ironeagle
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:16am

    “Professing themselves wise, they became fools.” Ro 1:22

    Report this comment

    Ironeagle  
  • huey6367
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:15am

    Any reasonable religion anywhere in the world allows different faiths to practice their religion – unless you are PC. The irony is there is no correctness in political correctness. I am pretty sure political correctness is an oxymoron like jumbo shrimp.

    Report this comment

    huey6367  
  • COFemale
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:11am

    Time for students to vote with there body. What do I mean. Withdraw from all Spring classes. Schools are now campaigning for Spring enrollment. If you withdraw from classes and make it known that the school does support “Christmas” as a word at “Christmas”, they have no need for your money.

    Report this comment

    COFemale  
  • redfish52
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:08am

    They need to just ignore the school and do it anyway…what’s the worst that could happen? The school will back down when they see the backlash…

    Report this comment

    redfish52  
  • john koenig
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:01am

    There’s a very simple solution…show the college administrators a list of federal holidays from any US government agency. It’s right there in black and white: December 25, Christmas Day.

    Report this comment

    john koenig  
  • IndyGuy
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:59am

    Time for the Christians to surround the College with “CHRISTMAS TREE” stands…

    Report this comment

    IndyGuy  
  • The_Jerk
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:58am

    Schools are nothing more than liberal indoctrination camps.

    Report this comment

    The_Jerk  
  • drphil69
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:57am

    I bet selling Hijabs would be allowed. I bet selling the Koran would not be questioned.

    When are Christians going to learn? IF THEY DON’T FEAR YOU THEY WILL DESTROY YOU!

    Report this comment

    drphil69  
    • Trail_Jumper
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:31am

      DrPhil,

      “IF THEY DON’T FEAR YOU THEY WILL DESTROY YOU!”

      Solution: Walk up to administrator, say, “Merry Christmas.” and then kick him right in the balls.
      I think I’ll try that on the next person that wishes me a happy holiday. That’ll spread the cheer….
      :)

      Report this comment

      Trail_Jumper  
    • TEXASGRANNY73
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:58pm

      @DrPhil69 Matthew 16:17-18 “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I WILL build my church, and the gates of hell SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT.” What is it we pesky Christians can do to not be destroyed by THEY as you called THEM? Am always interested in wisdom that equates with Bible teaching. Chapter and verse.

      Report this comment

      TEXASGRANNY73  
  • DeavonReye
    Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:57am

    It’s . . . . a national holiday. I don’t see how selling trees is “christian”.

    Report this comment

    DeavonReye  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:03am

      Because they are thugs and Grinches and can get away with it. That is all there is to it. Would like to see the school order Muslims not to sell prayer rugs. Then sit back to see who gets his/her throat slit first.

      Report this comment

      RJJinGadsden  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:10am

      DEAVONREYE, I would venture to say that it is also a legally declared state holiday as well. The club should research the state constitution and hire an ambulance chaser who needs the money.

      Report this comment

      RJJinGadsden  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:17am

      I’m not even a religious person, but don’t see why people in authority would attempt to deny someone something like this, especially since the proceeds are supposed to go to a fund to purchase gifts for underpriviledged children. It is absurd.

      Report this comment

      DeavonReye  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love