Back when I was a kid, there were two strict school rules, aside from the pretty standard dress code — no gum and no Tamagotchis. That last one only had to last a year or two, since the fad was short-lived, but gum was a constant. It makes sense — kids are notorious for sticking used gum in the worst places, like on gym bleachers and desks. There was never an actual ban on other candies, which is why this particular story is going viral. Not only did this principal ban a candy, but she did it in a Grinch-like way.
The principal, who ran an elementary school in Nebraska, was actually put on leave after her controversial move of banning candy canes. It may seem extreme, but she got rid of them for religious reasons — not due to their sugar content.
Principal Jennifer Sinclair reportedly released a memo saying that candy canes were shaped like a “J” to pay respect to Jesus (and not, y’know, resemble a cane). “Historically, the shape is a ‘J’ for Jesus,” she stated, according to Delish. “The red is for the blood of Christ, and the white is a symbol of his resurrection.” She figured that her decision wouldn’t exclude kids who don’t follow a certain religion.
But, the principal went even further than that. She reportedly stated what winter images would be okay for the school. As you probably guessed, trees, Santa Claus, and his team of reindeer were not on the list.
Fox42 reported that sledding, yetis, polar bears, scarves, and Olaf the snowman from the Disney film Frozen were all okay. Y’know, all things that are related to winter, but not Christmas.
Nebraska reporter Jennifer Griswold published the whole list, and in case you weren’t cringing already, just wait for it.
Teachers at an elementary school in Elkhorn received this list of acceptable/unacceptable holiday practices. People were not happy, the district said it wasn't its policy, the principal is on leave. Would love to hear your thoughts, keep it kind
— Jennifer Griswold (@Jen_Griswold) December 7, 2018
More here: https://t.co/MzSgSKXKRL pic.twitter.com/FjXIyvtd2l
So, if a kid happened to have “Jingle Bells” in their head, they couldn’t belt it out at recess. And if classrooms had an Elf on the Shelf, it’d be expected to head right back to the North Pole ASAP. At least they could have hot chocolate, according to Sinclair. That’s a small victory.
The Elkhorn Public Schools were quick to comment, saying that Sinclair was put on leave and that the very intense rules in her memo don’t align with theirs. So in other words, they continued to bring on Christmas cheer. This photo of a giving tree is visible proof of that.
#EPSAchieves because our students care; they're supporting several local organizations with donations this holiday season! Read more at https://t.co/vU3kX6R29A pic.twitter.com/ODqGOkGBUZ
— Elkhorn Public Schools (@ElkhornPS) December 4, 2018
Many people think the initial ban was a little ridiculous, using Twitter to express why. Santa-related clip art never made a difference when it came to their elementary school studies.
At least when I was in school we had all Christmas songs. We gave presents. We ate candy canes. We all turned out great!!!°
— john smith (@sugarcookie730) December 7, 2018
Of course "snowflakes" would be acceptable pic.twitter.com/enOWCFbrSU
— LeftCoastHusker (@LeftCoastHusker) December 6, 2018
Actual photo of Principal: pic.twitter.com/NL0E1xnt3A
— Booshon (@Booshon_KB) December 6, 2018
Scrooge Principal!!
— Annie Margrock (@AnnieMargrock) December 6, 2018
Even if Sinclair was trying to do a good thing, she didn’t really think about how her actions would come off. Learning about other cultures and religions is all part of growing up. If some of her elementary school kids don’t celebrate Christmas at home, there’s no way they wouldn’t learn about it from their peers or the media. Christmas is a holiday that’s pretty hard to avoid.
Just think about all of the Christmas specials and Christmas commercials that air this time of year. But even with all the attention it gets, it doesn’t make us forget about other major winter holidays like Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, which also have wonderful traditions and treats.
If she’s invited back to her position after the break, fingers crossed that this principal will make some big changes. It’d probably be good to have the school learn about and celebrate all holidays if that was actually her point in all of this.
But the big thing here is that she shouldn’t be dragging down candy canes.
Candy canes are a seasonal treat that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone, regardless of religion. And that’s a fact.
