CT School Bans Santa

WATERBURY — In the weeks leading up to Walsh Elementary School's Dec. 21 "winter celebration," staff will carefully avoid religious and secular symbols of Christmas such as Santa Claus and Christmas trees.

Walsh Principal Erik Brown has banned Christmas parties in classrooms and many decorations since arriving at the school five years ago. These, he said, can offend some students, who would be forced to leave while celebrations are ongoing.

"It is a state law that a public school can't knowingly exclude children," Brown said. "This is not a church. It's a school and it's a public school. I have to do things that include every child. So what we do is celebrate winter."

This struck a sour chord with Board of Education member Paul D'Angelo, who said he's received complaints from one teacher and one parent. He's requested School Superintendent David L. Snead to send a message to all staff that Christmas celebrations are allowed.