The ADL Advises Schools on the "December Dilemma"

Date: December 21, 2011

To help public schools and other government institutions navigate the complex issues raised by the December holiday season – often referred to as the “December Dilemma” – the ADL offers help to parents, teachers and administrators to help educate them on what can and cannot be taught and displayed in public schools about the holidays.

Acknowledging the December holidays is important in many communities.  However, the inclusion of religious content in December holiday displays and celebrations can be divisive, and it can also raise Constitutional questions.  The underlying principle about public religious displays and events is fairly simple: a municipality or public school must never appear to endorse or disapprove of one particular religion or religion in general. ADL advises that the classroom can be used to teach about religious holidays, but schools should take care not to celebrate one religious holiday over another.

ADL's online "December Dilemma" resources include guidelines on: Religion in the Classroom ● Holiday Assemblies ● Performing Religious Music ● Holiday Displays.

The Anti-Defamation League's Great Lakes Region offers guidance to local officials, schools, and parents on how best to handle the upcoming "December Dilemma," when many different religious holidays are observed and it can be difficult for public officials to know the best way to acknowledge the holiday season in an inclusive and respectful way.