Recognition of Christmas Suppressed by Some Governments, Businesses

Sacramento, CA – Advocates for religious liberty are dismayed that, once again, recognition of the upcoming Christmas holiday is being discouraged and even banned by some government officials and employers.

Pacific Justice Institute has received several first-hand reports of suppression. In one instance, a school cafeteria worker was told she could not wish schoolchildren “Merry Christmas.” In another, a class of fifth-graders was asked to select a song for a holiday school program – but was then told the song could not mention Christmas, due to “separation of church and state.” PJI attorneys are following up on these and similar stories to remedy potential First Amendment violations. Meanwhile, dozens of retailers are seeking to attract Christmas shoppers while avoiding all mention of Christmas, and some local and state Christmas trees have been renamed “holiday trees.”

PJI President Brad Dacus commented, “The ever-increasing notion that Christmas cannot be mentioned in schools, government offices or other businesses is absurd. The courts have clearly stated that Christmas can, in fact, be celebrated unapologetically in schools and by the government, and so-called ‘separation of church and state’ does not even apply to businesses. Now more than ever, we need to be reminded that it is better to give than to receive, and that our greatest blessings cannot be bought or sold.”

Karen Milam, the director of PJI’s Southern California office, stated, “The Pacific Justice Institute refuses to allow Christmas to fall victim to political correctness. We’ve received reports that children of extremely tender years are being criticized by school officials for wishing one another a “Merry Christmas.” PJI will be closely monitoring this Christmas season to ensure that free speech and freedom of religious expression are not suppressed by government or any other grinches.”

If you or someone you know has encountered suppression of speech or expression related to the Christmas season, please contact the Pacific Justice Institute at (916) 857-6900 for free legal advice.