Forget the war on public education. Georgia Senate tackles the... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com

Forget the war on public education. Georgia Senate tackles the... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com:

Forget the war on public education. Georgia Senate tackles the war on Christmas instead.  

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How many parents are fretting because their children's school lacked a Christmas tree? (AJC Photo)

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By Maureen Downey

As a parent whose children sit in crowded classrooms, I have to wonder why the state Senate is spending time on legislation to safeguard Christmas trees and “Merry Christmas” in schools.

As an education reporter and blogger, I get hundreds of emails from readers voicing concerns about their schools. I can’t recall any complaints about a dearth of Christmas trees in their children's schools or a prohibition on holiday well wishing.

If people want their kids awash in Christmas trees, can’t they put one in every room of their own house? Why do we need Christmas trees at school?

Today, the Senate Youth and Education Committee took up Christmas-gate and gave unanimous approval to Senate Bill 283. Among the bill’s provisions: A local school system may educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations and allow students and school system staff to offer traditional greetings regarding the celebrations, including:  (1) "Merry Christmas"; (2) "Happy Hanukkah"; and  (3) "Happy holidays."

The bill now goes to Senate Rules, where it will likely pass because it’s far easier to raise your hand for “Merry Christmas” than full school funding. If the senators had any sense, the only greeting elicited by this bill would be a Bronx cheer.  

According to the AJC:

One Georgia lawmaker’s push to protect Christmas trees and “happy holidays” greetings in public schools statewide cleared its first hurdle Tuesday with unanimous approval