An elementary school principal in Nebraska was reportedly placed on leave after telling teachers to avoid decorating their classrooms with Christmas-themed ornamentations so as not to offend those who don’t celebrate the holiday.
The principal at Manchester Elementary School, identified by Fox affiliate KPTM as Jennifer Sinclair, sent out a memo earlier this week with guidelines as to what is considered appropriate for classroom decorations and assignments.
Teachers were reportedly told that generic winter-themed items, such as sledding and scarves, and the “Frozen” character Olaf, were acceptable.
Decorations that included “Santa, Christmas trees, candy canes, reindeer and more,” as reported by the news station, were not acceptable for the elementary school.
“I feel uncomfortable that I have to get this specific, but for everyone’s comfort, I will,” Sinclair reportedly wrote in the memo.
The Elkhorn School District did not immediately return Fox News’ requests for comment.
But it told KPTM in a statement that “the memo does not reflect the policy of Elkhorn Public Schools regarding holiday symbols in the school.”
Teachers were reportedly told that generic winter-themed items, such as sledding and scarves, and the “Frozen” character Olaf, were acceptable. Decorations that included “Santa, Christmas trees, candy canes, reindeer and more,” as reported by the news station, were not acceptable for the elementary school.
The district’s policy states that “Christmas trees, Santa Claus and Easter eggs and bunnies are considered to be secular, seasonal symbols and may be displayed as teaching aids provided they do not disrupt the instructional program for students.”
Sinclair was reportedly placed on administrative leave as of Thursday morning.
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Nicole Darrah covers breaking and trending news for FoxNews.com. Follow her on Twitter @nicoledarrah. This Fox News piece is used by permission.
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