You Won't Find 'Christmas' on This School District's Calendar Anymore

A Massachusetts school district is refusing to reverse its recent decision to change the name of its annual "Christmas Vacation" to "Holiday Break."  

Photo credit: Shutterstock

The battle began September 9 when Marshfield School Committee voted 3-2 to change the calendar name, drawing the ire of some local residents who have implored officials to reverse course — a request that has been denied, according to Wicked Local.

While supporters claim that the new name is more inclusive, others fervently disagree.

Residents who are unhappy with the change were vocal at a recent committee meeting, claiming that the amendment is indicative of religious intolerance.

"By censoring our children from Christianity or any other religious belief, you are not allowing them to learn to live in a diverse setting and to respect other beliefs," said local resident Rossanne Lopez. "Christmas is the reason for the vacation. Let’s call it what it is — Christmas Vacation."

Another resident named Elaine Taylor — who brought a petition with 443 signatures on it calling for "Christmas" to be returned to the district's vacation schedule — added, "It sends a message that anything Christmas is off limits."

Calendar on the Marshfield Public Schools' website

But while their pleas, among others, were heard during the public comment portion of the meeting, committee members didn't respond to their request and have thus far declined to return to the previous "Christmas Vacation" terminology.

The controversial name change reportedly came after a parent emailed Marshfield Public Schools superintendent Scott Borstel and asked whether "Christmas" could be removed from the schedule.

(H/T: Wicked Local)

--

Front page image via Shutterstock.com