A Cambridge, Massachusetts, school yanked Santa from its planned Christmas and holiday concert after a parent complained and board officials went into a closed-door session to discuss the matter.
Jennifer Ford, the principal of Andrew Peabody School, sent a letter home to parents, Fox News reported: “I am writing to you today to inform you of a change in our concert series this winter. Our First through Fourth grade concert as well as our Kindergarten concert will not include a visit from Santa Claus this year.”
Parents were outraged at the last-minute change which they say went forth without public input and based on the complaint of just one parent.
“I come from a city that celebrates diversity and tolerance, and I think at its base this decision reeks of intolerance,” one local parent, Robert Thompson, told “Fox and Friends.”
The school does describe itself as “an inclusive community connected by a passion for the pursuit of academic excellence and a commitment to the arts,” Newsmax reported.
Ms. Ford specified that Santa would instead make an appearance at a family sing-along on Dec. 23 so that parents who are offended by the character have a chance to keep their children away, Newsmax reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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