A school board president in a Texas municipality calls on people to use the term “Christmas” while discussing holiday celebrations and vacations.
During a meeting of the Carroll Independent School District’s Board of Trustees on Monday night, Carroll Independent School District (ISD) School Board President Cam Bryan challenged the Tarrant County district to label the holiday time “Christmas Break.”
“I received, as we all have, several correspondences this month from the district referring to a winter break, winter parties, holiday break, holiday parties, everything but Christmas break and Christmas parties,” Bryan remarked in the course of the conversation. “It’s Christmas and New Year’s break, and I think the district should refer to it as such.”
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Bryan went on to say, without elaborating, that he had heard from other teachers, administrators, and parents who were “afraid” to recognize the Christmas holiday for fear of repercussions.
“I think that is ridiculous,” Bryan stated.
Bryan then addressed House Bill 308, a 2013 measure signed by then-Gov. Rick Perry inserted a portion of the Texas Education Code clearly saying that kids and public school teachers are permitted to say “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” and “Happy Holidays.”
“That is the law in Texas, so, therefore, I want every Carroll ISD student, teacher, administrator, and parent to know it is OK to recognize and observe this holiday on our campuses if you so choose,” he said.
Additionally, the legislation permits the exhibition of Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and menorahs on academic campuses, provided that they do not convey a message that promotes strict adherence to a specific religious doctrine.
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Bryan stated during the meeting, “I want every Carroll ISD student, teacher, administrator, and parent to know it is acceptable to recognize and observe this holiday on our campuses if they so choose.”
In addition, Lane Ledbetter, the superintendent of Carroll ISD, was directed by Bryan to send district personnel an email detailing HB 308 including the 2013 bill. It is unclear if this communication was delivered or not.
The Carroll ISD administration was not immediately reachable by Fox News Digital for comment.