A music director at one charter school in Rock Hill, S.C., reportedly said students are more than welcome to sing their celebrations of Christmas at upcoming performances — just not songs that refer to Jesus Christ, or that have overtly religious overtones.
That’s according to Fox News, which reported that songs such as “Joy to the World” and “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” are on the banned list for musical numbers at a scheduled winter band show. The school at issue: York Preparatory Academy, The Blaze reported.
And it’s not simply the words that are banned. School policy abolishes even the music, absent words, the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal group, said to Fox News’ Todd Starnes.
The issue came to light when some students wanted to play the songs, and the music director — out of fear of lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union — said no, The Blaze said.
“The Academy’s principal confirmed the receipt of the ACLU’s or similar group’s communication [threatening suit] and suggested that in order for students to play traditional Christmas carols they would need to play songs from other religions as well,” ADF attorney Rory Gray said, to Mr. Starnes on Fox News. Mr. Gray opposes the demands, saying schools shouldn’t be pressured to halt “time-honored Christmas carols,” The Blaze reported.
Moreover, the school’s attorney agreed, arguing that the songs are allowed and that districts shouldn’t cave to ACLU pressure.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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