Judge Bans Indiana High School from Including Nativity Scene in Christmas Performance
- Updated Dec 03, 2015
A judge has ruled that an Indiana high school cannot portray a Nativity scene with live performers in its annual Christmas Spectacular.
According to USAToday.com, U.S. District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio ruled that the display “conveys a message of endorsement of religion, or that a particular religious belief is favored or preferred.”
A complaint against including the nativity scene in the annual Christmas Spectacular put on by Concord Community Schools was filed with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiania and the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) by a student and his father.
Superintendent of the schools, John Trout, said he is disappointed in the court’s ruling.
"The Concord High School music department is working overtime to insure that this year's Christmas Spectacular performance complies with the Court's order," Trout said. "Additionally, Concord Community Schools is presently researching the possible appear of the Court's preliminary injunction.”
The FFRF, however, holds a very different opinion.
"A live nativity is a shocking violation to encounter in a public school, which has no business directing students to engage in devotional, sectarian performances," said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor in a statement. "This decision is a win for everyone who recognizes that there can be no freedom of religious belief without freedom from religion in government and in our public schools."
Publication date: December 3, 2015
