Missouri State removes Christmas tree over religious complaint

[Ban Hammer 13,347]

SPRINGFIELD | Missouri State University took down a 20-foot Christmas tree after a diversity official reported a complaint about insensitivity to other religions.

As a result, Missouri State officials will meet Friday to discuss appropriate holiday decorations at the state’s second-largest university.

The artificial tree was taken down Monday after Lorene Stone, dean of the College of Humanities and Public Affairs, was told by the co-chair of the president’s diversity commission that a Jewish faculty member said the tree showed “a lack of sensitivity” to those of other religions.

Courts have ruled that Christmas trees are secular symbols if they do not bear religious decorations, such as a cross, said Jana Estergard, head of the school’s Office of Equity and Diversity.

Estergard returned from vacation Wednesday and said she wasn’t aware of the issue, nor had anyone complained to her about the tree.

“The tree is not endorsing Christianity,” she said.

Stone, who put the tree up the day before Thanksgiving, said she didn’t use any religious symbols on it.

“I tried to make it as secular as possible. It had ribbons, bows and fake icicles on it,” she said, adding that she’s very frustrated over the issue. The tree now sits in three pieces in a box in her office.

Stone said Jewish faculty members were invited to put up a menorah display but declined, telling Stone they were worried the display would be stolen.

Diversity commission co-chair Chris Craig said he thought Stone did the right thing by taking the tree down and thinks something positive will come from the Friday meeting.

“This is not about a legal issues. It’s about being more inclusive,” Craig said.

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[*JG* 2]

Oh, boy............

[JODO 2]

[MissStacey 1]

People will find anything to b!tch and complain about.

[*JG* 2]

They might b#$^% about the tree; but I bet they aren't complaining about the paid days off they get for the holiday!

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

“I tried to make it as secular as possible. It had ribbons, bows and fake icicles on it,” she said, adding that she’s very frustrated over the issue. The tree now sits in three pieces in a box in her office.

Because nothing says 'secular' like a fake icicle.

[jodee 30]

An offer of reconciliation in the form of their own diverse christmas display is offered, and they knock it back. Do people mearly complain these days, because they like the sound of their own voices.

Maybe if they hadnt complained first, and simply asked if they could partake, by putting up their own diplay, they wouldn't have to be worried about it getting stolen.

People want to be so P.C these days, it drowns out the spirit of Christmas, no matter how its celebrated..

Jodee

(whistling to the tune of Six white boomers, snow white boomers) .......lol

[The Squozen One 0]

For Pete's sake. Why are there some people in this world who fail to realise that other religions exist, and always will do? People DO NOT celebrate religious festivals in order to spite others.

Christmas is already as secularized as I think it can get. Millions of people all over the world, who have never paid a moment's thought to the Christian god, are only too happy to take part in the festivities. But oh no, somehow Christians aren't allowed to reclaim this festival and put something remotely relating to their religion where other people might see it! The sky would fall in!

I'm sure someone's going to jump on me and say that Christmas trees weren't originally about Christmas at all and were nicked from pagan Yule celebrations, but I say if Christianity was happy enough to encorporate a pagan ritual into their festivities, why can't other religions today be as tolerant, and just live and let live?

Edited November 29, 2007 by The Squozen One

[Nessa 23]

oh brother

[*JG* 2]

For Pete's sake. Why are there some people in this world who fail to realise that other religions exist, and always will do? People DO NOT celebrate religious festivals in order to spite others.

Christmas is already as secularized as I think it can get. Millions of people all over the world, who have never paid a moment's thought to the Christian god, are only too happy to take part in the festivities. But oh no, somehow Christians aren't allowed to reclaim this festival and put something remotely relating to their religion where other people might see it! The sky would fall in!

I'm sure someone's going to jump on me and say that Christmas trees weren't originally about Christmas at all and were nicked from pagan Yule celebrations, but I say if Christianity was happy enough to encorporate a pagan ritual into their festivities, why can't other religions today be as tolerant, and just live and let live?

I read so many different stories about how the original Christmas tree came about that my head is spinning.

I have to agree with you on the above, for the most part.

[Ban Hammer 13,347]

i think i'll put up a christmas tree in the front yard just so someone can b!tch about it, then i can tell them to go @#%@#%@^@#^!$^!#^$% themself.

[PlatyPius 5]

For f##k's sake....

There always has to be ONE person, doesn't there?

[Nessa 23]

i think i'll put up a christmas tree in the front yard just so someone can b!tch about it, then i can tell them to go @#%@#%@^@#^!$^!#^$% themself.

so we're gonna have a christmas tree?

[Ban Hammer 13,347]

i think i'll put up a christmas tree in the front yard just so someone can b!tch about it, then i can tell them to go @#%@#%@^@#^!$^!#^$% themself.

so we're gonna have a christmas tree?

i'll think about decorating one of the pine trees

[Nessa 23]

i think i'll put up a christmas tree in the front yard just so someone can b!tch about it, then i can tell them to go @#%@#%@^@#^!$^!#^$% themself.

so we're gonna have a christmas tree?

i'll think about decorating one of the pine trees

really?