A play at W.R. Castle Elementary School in Wittensville, Kentucky, drew controversy over censorship.
The school put on a production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Thursday, but a Bible passage was omitted.
The passage, which is recited by Linus in the show and is from the book of Luke, reads: “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger. And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, goodwill toward men.’”
Miami Herald reported that people in the audience recited the lines instead, to the dissatisfaction of the principal, Jeff Cochran. "I wish that they had let the kids do the play," he said.
He says he was told by officials not to have the line in the play.
School Superintendent Thomas Salyer told the Herald that the decision was made after a complaint was filed.
As a result, biblical references have been removed from Christmas programs in the school district.
Salyer defends the decision as he said he was trying to follow the law.
The reaction has gone beyond the production. Alliance Defending Freedom, an organization based in Arizona, has stepped in to represent Joey Collins, a parent of one of the children in the play to get the decision reversed. Collins went on Fox News Thursday with his daughter, Andrea, and Matt Sharp, his legal representative from the organization, to explain their decision.
“I knew we had to do something to protect (the children) and get this reversed,” Collins said.
“Schools can talk about (Christmas’) historic and religious origins,” Sharp said, as part of an educational program.
Salyer released a statement Dec. 11, saying: "The U.S. Supreme Court and the 6th Circuit are very clear that public school staff may not endorse any religion when acting in their official capacities and during school activities. However, our district is fully committed to promote the spirit of giving and concern for our fellow citizens that help define the Christmas holiday. With core values such as service, integrity, leadership, and commitment, our staff and students will continue to proudly represent our district as recently demonstrated by our many student successes."
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