2006 Christmas In Schools Controversies Begin

In Durango, Colorado, a high school student has created a controversy by formally asking the Bayfield School District Board to change the name of Winter Break to Christmas Break. Today's Durango Herald reports on the request which was made at last Tuesday's board meeting. Two ministers are among the board members. Janice McClain, a junior at Bayfield High, argued that the United States is an essentially Christian nation founded on Christian precepts and doctrine, and that the school district "is a Christian community". The board took no action, but board member Bill Faust promised not to ignore the issue. School superintendent Don Magill said, "I certainly understand her concern from a Christian perspective, but as a public institution, we need to be respectful of all faiths and those who profess no faith."