PA School District Tries to Walk Back Memo Telling Bus Drivers to Remove Christmas Decorations

December 19, 2023

A school district in Delaware County, Penn., is attempting to walk back a memo sent to bus drivers last week that clearly told drivers to “remove” any decorations “specific to the Christmas Holiday or any other decorations relating to a specific religion.”

The office of Wagner Marseille, Ed.D., the superintendent of Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, sent the initial memo to district bus drivers on December 15:

“As per Dr. Marseille, he has been receiving complaints from parents concerning District employees displaying “Christmas” themed decorations and/or wearing clothing of the same nature.

“If you have decorated your bus with anything specific to the Christmas Holiday or any other decorations relating to a specific religion, please remove them immediately.

“In addition, employees are instructed not to wear clothing related to Christmas or any other religious holiday.

“THIS IS NOT SPECIFIC TO OUR DEPARTMENT, IT APPLIES TO ALL DISTRICT EMPLOYEES.“

Now, reports Fox News, Marseille has issued a second memo saying the message in the initial memo “was not clear.”

The second memo said:

“To the extent that this reminder led to the communication that decorations and songs typically associated with the Christmas holiday were not permitted, this was not the intent, and efforts have been made internally to clarify this point to avoid any confusion moving forward. We understand the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity within our community. We are committed to continuously improving our communication and fostering an inclusive environment for all.”

Okay.

So, the intent of the words, “employees are instructed not to wear clothing related to Christmas or any other religious holiday,” is not the same as “the decorations and songs typically associated with the Chrimstas holiday were not permitted?“

Got it.