The Small Detail in the 'Nutcracker' That Had Parents Demanding an Elementary School Cancel a Field Trip to See the Ballet

Officials at a Massachusetts elementary school have reportedly reversed course after considering canceling a trip to see "The Nutcracker" over complaints about a Christmas tree that appears on stage during the production.

Butler Elementary School in Belmont, Massachusetts, has long sent its second-grade students to see the play, but that tradition recently came under fire amid parental complaints over purported religious themes, WHDH-TV reported.

After the school's PTA — which has traditionally funded the trip — weighed canceling it, parents supportive of the ballet protested, leading to an emergency meeting last week during which it was decided that "The Nutcracker" tradition will continue after all.

7News Boston WHDH-TV

"I went once as a kid as well. I think it's anybody's choice," parent Adam Campana told the outlet. "They should still offer it but you don't have to go if you don't like."

Some parents told WHDH-TV that they were especially frustrated that the PTA reportedly secretly canceled the event, initially declining to widely announce the decision.

While those supportive of the production are glad that they essentially won the debate, some fear that the issue will resurface again next year.

"In the past years there were parents complaints as 'The Nutcracker' has a religious content," PTA co-president Barbara Bulfoni told WHDH-TV. "I think we clarified with the parents."

(H/T: Boston Globe)

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