In a bid to promote the recognition of Christmas, the school board president of Carroll Independent School District (ISD) in Texas has called on the community to use the word “Christmas” when referring to celebrations and vacations during this time of year. During a recent Board of Trustees meeting, President Cam Bryan expressed his concern over the use of terms like “winter break” and “holiday parties” instead of specifically mentioning Christmas. Bryan argued that it is important to acknowledge and observe the holiday openly.
Bryan highlighted that he had received numerous correspondences from the district that referred to the vacation period using generic terms, excluding any direct mention of Christmas. Additionally, he stated that he had heard from teachers, administrators, and parents who felt reluctant to recognize the Christmas holiday due to potential backlash.
Expressing his disbelief, Bryan referred to House Bill 308, a law enacted in 2013 by then-Governor Rick Perry, which explicitly allows students and public school teachers in Texas to use greetings like “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” and “Happy Holidays.” Bryan emphasized that this law should be upheld and that everyone in Carroll ISD should feel comfortable recognizing and observing the holiday on school campuses.
The law also permits the display of Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and menorahs on school premises, as long as they do not promote any particular religious belief. Bryan urged the district superintendent, Lane Ledbetter, to send an email to district staff summarizing HB 308 and including the details of the 2013 bill. However, it remains unclear whether the email was sent or not.
Carroll ISD administration was not immediately available for comment on the matter.
The push to use the term “Christmas” during the holiday season reflects a broader trend of individuals advocating for the explicit recognition of religious traditions. While some argue for more inclusive language, others believe it is important to acknowledge specific religious holidays, such as Christmas, to maintain cultural and religious diversity.
As the debate continues, President Cam Bryan’s call for the use of “Christmas” in Carroll ISD serves as a reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding religious inclusivity and the freedom to openly celebrate and recognize various holidays.
