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Santa Banned From Classroom When Muslim Family Complains
Filed under: Toddlers Preschoolers, In The News, Opinions
For the past four years, Santa Claus has visited the children of St. Peter, Minnesota's Head Start Program. Santa, in this case, is a gentleman by the name of Dennis Jackson, who donates his time and the candy he gives out to spread Christmas cheer to the little ones who attend this program for low-income families.
But this year, Mr. Jackson (I mean Santa) was told by Head Start's administrator not to come. Why? Because, according to the regional coordinator for the Minnesota Valley Action Council, Chris Marben, at least one Muslim family complained of his visit.
When asked about banishing Santa, Marben said, "We have Somali families in the program. We're respecting the wishes of families in the program." She added, "Part of our challenge in Head Start is providing an environment where young children from many different cultures can all feel comfortable."
Hogwash! Mrs. Marben's decision has nothing to do with making the children feel comfortable. What child wouldn't be thrilled to see jolly old St. Nick and get some free candy?
This decision was all about the grown ups -- their politics, ideology, their fears of lawsuits and their intolerance.
Instead of taking Santa away from all the other kids, why couldn't objecting parents keep their child home that day, or simply request to have their child removed from the classroom at the time of this (supposedly ghastly) visit? But more importantly, Santa-tizing our schools from any religious symbols or references doesn't teach our children to be tolerant or sensitive to other people's religions or cultures. It does quite the opposite.
Moreover, it does the child of a Somali immigrant no good to shield him or her from a symbol that is so universally beloved by Americans. As the daughter of an immigrant myself, I can assure you that knowledge and understanding of the society the child's family has chosen to live in, is key to the child's success and assimilation.
No, none of this is about the children. It's too bad because Christmas is a time when we all think about ways to bring joy to children -- all children -- including those of the Muslim faith.
But this year, Mr. Jackson (I mean Santa) was told by Head Start's administrator not to come. Why? Because, according to the regional coordinator for the Minnesota Valley Action Council, Chris Marben, at least one Muslim family complained of his visit.
When asked about banishing Santa, Marben said, "We have Somali families in the program. We're respecting the wishes of families in the program." She added, "Part of our challenge in Head Start is providing an environment where young children from many different cultures can all feel comfortable."
Hogwash! Mrs. Marben's decision has nothing to do with making the children feel comfortable. What child wouldn't be thrilled to see jolly old St. Nick and get some free candy?
This decision was all about the grown ups -- their politics, ideology, their fears of lawsuits and their intolerance.
Instead of taking Santa away from all the other kids, why couldn't objecting parents keep their child home that day, or simply request to have their child removed from the classroom at the time of this (supposedly ghastly) visit? But more importantly, Santa-tizing our schools from any religious symbols or references doesn't teach our children to be tolerant or sensitive to other people's religions or cultures. It does quite the opposite.
Moreover, it does the child of a Somali immigrant no good to shield him or her from a symbol that is so universally beloved by Americans. As the daughter of an immigrant myself, I can assure you that knowledge and understanding of the society the child's family has chosen to live in, is key to the child's success and assimilation.
No, none of this is about the children. It's too bad because Christmas is a time when we all think about ways to bring joy to children -- all children -- including those of the Muslim faith.
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ReaderComments (Page 2 of 10)
1-05-2011 @ 11:50AM
MissDaisy said...In this country, Majority Rules...Santa is a COMMERCIAL thing not a religious thing you idiot and boohoo to your parents for not allowing you to feel free to participate in the free candy from a man named Santa!
1-07-2011 @ 11:16PM
Sifrina said...AB - Excellent point. Santa is NOT universally loved, even if most people want to think that. I don't hate Santa, but I didn't grow up w/any of it. Christmas always felt/feels like I was/am outside looking in - interesting to look at but not my holiday. Why do people feel the need to have you love what they love? It's just not there.
My 8 year old son is indifferent to Santa - he can take him or leave him. Some ignorant people at work are shocked and appalled to find out that he never believed in Santa - as if I denied him some alienable right. He's careful not to ruin it for his Santa-believing friends, but why on earth why would he believe in this??
I'm with you on the secular school thing. I don't love a lot of what the parents want to introduce into the classroom during the season, such as a "giving tree," which is really a tacky Christmas tree with tasteless gift cards (including ours) attached all over it for the teacher (who loved it). So, I just shrug it off and look forward to the upcoming holidays we celebrate as a family and just enjoy the end of *that* season.
12-30-2010 @ 6:46PM
LJ said...Well, when you are in the minority, why should the majority have to change and accomodate all aspects of life for you? We are not asking you to convert , after all. I find the Muslim family's actions requesting Santa to be banned to be very offensive and most certainly intolerant. And for the Head start person to accomodate them was beyond stupid. Santa is not a zombie, hes a figure of goodness. Thats offensive????? Time for some people to grow some thicker skin, and get over it. You folks are a minority in OUR country. Time for you to accept the fact that we believe different things than you.
Reply
12-31-2010 @ 2:46PM
bonnie said...this country was created to protect the rights of the minority
12-31-2010 @ 9:59PM
John said...This isn't a 'rights' issue, it's a clash of cultural beliefs. Santa Claus is not a actually specific to the Christian religion, it was just co-opted by them.
This has to do with an issue we never talk about and that is reasonable accommodations between cultural belief systems. Banning Santa for 99% of the student base just for 1% is unreasonable when there are other solutions to this issue (they have been stated).
The argument that being an outsider within a culture is somehow more damaging or a severe enough hardship that the need to have the majorities culture event banned is ridiculous.
Yes I can see how that would suck for the individual but that is the price *you* have to pay for you belief system. That is entirely fair to both sides to leave the situation OR provide a different venue within the school for those that don't believe.
Shutting it down completely is just going way over board on the response to the complaint. Sounds like someone was just scared and that is *fricking* sad.
12-31-2010 @ 9:28PM
PeopleEye said...To bonnie: Not exclusively to protect the rights of the minority. There are many others who's rights are to protected as well.
And since when does protecting minority rights mean suppressing the rights of the majority. No one is saying that the majority should be allowed to commit crimes. Its freaking Santa. Common stop being so sensitive. Realize I'm an atheist and I'm a Latino, I am the minority.
1-02-2011 @ 9:08AM
ak said..."OUR" country? It is their country too. I get nervous when the majority claims ownership of a country based on welcoming the masses. What is everyone afraid of? That the school will become a place of learning where all feel comfortable and the home can be a place to celebrate any way you wish. I'm surprised at the fear and ignorance in this discussion.
1-04-2011 @ 10:39PM
Publius said..."This is OUR country" says it all. Exactly WHO is OUR? That is the root of intolerance.
Personally, I think this could have been handled better by the program by inviting the complaining parent to come in and talk about Islam so all beliefs could be represented.
But the comments about sending a child out of the room, or having a child stay home, so the other children can enjoy Santa are way out of line. This is a federally supported program, paid for by tax dollars. It would be inexcusable to ask that students stay away for a celebration particular to just one religion.
If it's about "sharing joy" or having candy, Santa doesnt have to do it; the teacher can.
And, btw, what happens when a child who has been told Santa is just a mythical character tells that to the other children? Then which parents will be storming the school?
1-04-2011 @ 4:03PM
Michigan56 said...Bonnie, if this country was created to protect minorities, the Native Americans would still be in charge. This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, not the united states of Somolia or any other country. If they don't like OUR ways, they can go back to where they came from. It's time we stopped catering to every one or group that steps ashore and complains because it's not like home. Well, if home is so wonderful, GO BACK!
1-04-2011 @ 10:33PM
Mike said...Yes Bonnie, but not at the expense of the rights of the majority. We are a multi-cultural nation and we should learn to accept other cultures celebrations. We have the right to not participate in them just as they have the right to not participate in ours, but it infringes on our rights when you tell us that we cannot celebrate a certain belief or cultural practice. If they do not like the way we do things in this country, our traditions, then they have the right to return to their home country, or they have the right to stay and allow us to continue our traditions. If we were in their country we would be told, "tough" if we tried to say that their traditions offended us.
12-30-2010 @ 6:57PM
C Seibel said...So much for religious tolerance.
Reply
12-30-2010 @ 8:43PM
Shirley Applebee said...My children attended the most nationally, racially mixed elementary school in the county. They learned about each others beliefs. They celebrated Christmas, birthdays and holidays with no problems. This is America. Why do we have to change our way of life? They chose to move here.
Reply
1-01-2011 @ 11:36AM
Tim said...Religious figures don't represent America. In fact, it is immigrants and their beliefs that represent America best. It is immigrants who created the idea of America.
12-30-2010 @ 8:43PM
dot said...It's unrealistic to homogenize schools when children are exposed to the same images outside of the school: in stores, on billboards, in commercials. As parents, we need to teach tolerance and provide truthful explanations on the beauty of the diversity of our country. Tolerance would go a long way. Our children won't grow up to be bullies if we the "adults" stop being bullies to each other.
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12-30-2010 @ 8:53PM
car1810 said...To all new immigrants.
Rather than blocking information about another country's culture and customs, why not encourage your child to embrace all that they can. Knowledge is power. I am sure, we should share info about your childs culture and customs. Children get along it's some of the parents I am concerned about.
What ever your faith. PEACE
Reply
12-31-2010 @ 6:06PM
Eaura Divine said...As'Salaamu Alaikum Peace be Unto You....I AGREE I am a Muslimah and respect the right of every culture,color,creed or status to make their own desicion.It is the real Muslims Way of Life...In the End All is Judged and Returned to Allah.I am a recent Muslim Convert.Peace All
12-30-2010 @ 8:54PM
Michelle said...Santa is for all children, of all cultures, all religious beliefs. Even my sister who is not religious, does celebrate Santa during the holidays. For me, Santa is a symbol for believing in something that cannot be seen; a spirit, a feeling. Santa is a way to bring all children together, not separate them. The adults running this program in Minnesota should educate the Muslim parents about what Santa Claus really stands for.
Furthermore, even if this was a "Christmas" celebration, for all of us who are Christians, that means spreading love and cheer to everyone, which is why I say "Merry Christmas" during the Christmas season. When I say that in public to those I don't know, like the grocery store clerk for example, I don't know for sure what religious background that person is from, but because I am spreading my Christmas happiness to them.
And in college I had friends, some of them international students, of several different faiths and backgrounds, and when there was a religious celebration, I was asked to attend their celebrations, always included.
The U.S. is a melting pot of all faiths, and why a Muslim family or two was allowed to ruin a part of the holiday season that the majority of Americans enjoy is very sad for all the children involved.
Reply
1-07-2011 @ 11:32PM
Sifrina said...Michelle, Santa really isn't for all children, all beliefs as you say. I think it's great people enjoy celebrating this way, any way they want to is fine with me, and I wouldn't ban Santa from any classroom, but Santa is for those who wish to embrace him and not everyone does. Not everyone loves what you do and I'm not sure you get that.
12-31-2010 @ 1:25PM
lucy said...Why don't the Muslim parents sit down with their child and explain that Santa is something some American children believe in, but in our family our belief is different. They should try talking to their child. The image of Santa is everywhere. Santa is NOT a religious symbol.
Reply
1-01-2011 @ 1:09PM
sherle said...Santa has nothing to do with faith, I am so tried of people from different countries so wanting to come to AMERICA,then after they get here they are offended.....maybe they should of stayed were they were...why do we Americans have to respect others when it is clear they dont respect us, they want everything America offers except Santa....if I went to other country would they be forced to speak English to me....press 1 forget that speak our language, our customs or go back where you came from or keep your mouth shut tire of you people taking everything away from us