School Bans Christmas Colors?

A school in Florida has not only banned Christmas - but everything associated with the Christian holiday.

Teachers at Heathrow Elementary School have been ordered to banish images of Santa Claus from classrooms - along with traditional Christmas colors like red and green.

"You can't use red and green," one outraged parent told WESH. "It's ridiculous."

The parent, who serves as a volunteer room mother, said she was recently given a list of guidelines that listed the holiday restrictions.

She said the basic theme of the letter was, "We don't want to offend anyone who doesn't believe in Santa Claus or the Christian beliefs."

UPDATE: SCPS Statement Re: Alleged Ban of Red & Green at Heathrow Elementary

November 29, 2010

The school district of Seminole County would like to correct the recent news stories regarding the "ban of red and green" at Heathrow Elementary School in Lake Mary, Florida. The banning of red and green is simply not true.

Out of respect for their diverse community, the common practice for December classroom activities has been a winter theme which can include red, green, or any color.

Unfortunately the principal of the school was not contacted by any parent prior to the news stories. Parents are encouraged to contact the principal with any questions relating to school policies and practices.

Regina Murray Klaers
Public Information Officer
Seminole County Public Schools

[Florida has a very broad Public Records Law. Virtually all written communications to or from School District Personnel are public records available to the public and media upon request. E-mail sent or received on the School District system will be considered public and will only be withheld from disclosure if deemed confidential pursuant to State Law.]