Yule Policy Aired For City Schools

A tentative proposal for a policy relating to the observance of Christmas in the public schools was submitted to the Board of Education last night as it met in a briefing session. The proposal, as pointed out by Ronald Edmonds, director of human relations for the public schools, who spoke as a member of the Christmas policy committee, was "shorter" than the 1968 guide The emphasis, as discussed by Edmonds and the board, was the encouragement of conducting Christmas programs, and practice for such programs, outside of school hours. This was suggested in order to be less disruptive to the school day routine, and to indure that students' rights and sensitivities as to participation in such programs would not be violated. The policy stressed that recognition of religious holidays and teaching about their origins is not prohibited in the public schools. It was noted that such recognition is essentially an educational activity. It was pointed out in the pro.posed policy that such recognition is not therefore in violation of the legal restrictions of state and federal law and school policy. Trustee Joseph T. A. Lee said it was nis hope that rather than negative actions, the policy take this positive direction ia exploring comparative religious beliefs. i Trustee Paul Johnson, in reIferring to the "traditions" of the Christmas holiday, said he feit the schools should not be "purged" of activities but take Ithe neutral stance. Another point in the policy presented states that the recogïition of Christmas during the month of December should not )reclude the regular activities haracterizing the program of instruction. The six-point statement also also said it is the responsibility of the building administrator to insure that Christmas decora;ions should be reasonable in their physical dimensions and duration of placement. Edmonds said this is another major change in the guideline. Among the 11 points in the 1968 policy, specific responsibility for decorations is not delegated. In the previous g u i d e said decorations should not be displayed prior to the week before winter vacation. The proposal currently under consideration holds to the past policy regarding no gift exchange among children in school, and no acceptance of gifts by employés from groups of pupils, individual pupils or parents on school property. The exception- gifts to a retiring teacher- holds. This suggested policy is currently being reviewed by other groups, including the Ann Arbor Education Association. A recommendation on board action in regard to the Christmas policy will be on the agenda of the Oct. 15 meeting.
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