Afterschooling.org » Why the “Candy Cane” Case Doesn't Apply to ...
, In which families of multiple elementary school students in Plano, Texas have filed a lawsuit against district employees for religious discrimination.
This case dates back to 2001 and involves two Plano ISD elementary school principals who, in separate incidents, are alleged to have prevented the distributions of some children’s religious items to classmates during school hours. During one incident, a student’s holiday gift bags for other students were confiscated because of pencils with the phrase “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” In another instance, a student who was handing out tickets to her friends for a free Christian play at her Church had her tickets confiscated and destroyed, by order of the principal, because they “expressed a ‘religious’ viewpoint.” Another student was banned from giving candy-cane-shaped pens to his friends, because of a laminated card attached to each with the title “Legend of the Candy Cane,” which explained the Christian origin of candy canes.
This case exemplifies the growing trouble schools are experiencing trying to please all people in communities that are becoming increasingly more diverse, while still abiding by all federal and state laws.
Some believe that all students have First Amendment rights for freedom of speech and expression (as established in the 1943 Supreme Court decision of West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette ), while others have argued that this right does not extend to young elementary school students.
As evident from the lengthy 10-year legal battle that has already been waged, the issue of discussing religion during public school hours is still a hot-button topic, creating turbulent waters that can be very difficult for school districts to navigate.
It is because of this controversy that faith-based afterschooling is such a viable option for many parents who would like for their children to be able to discuss or share Christian viewpoints with friends, without fear of a negative response from school officials. Quite simply, the “Candy Cane” case does not pertain to after-school clubs that operate after school hours.
As established by the 1984 Equal Access Law , if a school district has
“This court disagrees with the Second Circuit’s view that something that is quintessentially religious or decidedly religious in nature cannot also be characterized properly as the teaching of morals and character development from a particular viewpoint… there is no logical difference between the invocation of Christianity by the Club and the invocation of teamwork, loyalty, or patriotism by other associations to provide a foundation for their lessons.
Candy Cane Origin - Bookshelf
Christmas Legends to Remember
No matter what the true origin of the candy cane may be, all the known traditions present a spiritual message. Today we can still share the hidden truths of ...The Joy of Christmas
η The True Meaning of the Candy Cane “In recent years, apocryphal origin stories for the candy cane have become popular. Usually they suggest the candy cane ...Party Divas!, 12 Fabulous Parties for Women's Ministry
Although it's unclear (and much disputed) what the origin of the candy cane was, it has come to symbolize several things at this time of year. ...Candy Cane Murder
A family trip to Itasca to see the origin of the Mississippi River, no Cory. The family at Melinda's high school graduation, no Cory. ...South African concise Oxford dictionary
Casual Info Directory
Snopes.com: Candy Cane
Exploring the question of the Christian symbolism of the Christmastime candy cane and the origin of the striped sugary treat.
The Origin and History of The Candy Cane
The Origin of The Candy Cane, History of The Candy Cane ... As legend has it, the origin of the candy cane appears to stem back to Cologne, Germany around 1670. ...
The History of Candy Canes - About.com
The origin of the candy cane goes back over 350 years. ... The origin of the candy cane goes back over 350 years, when candy-makers both professional and amateur were ...
Candy Cane History - Invention of the Candy Cane
Its counterpart is our candy cane – so old as a symbol that we have nearly forgotten its humble origin. ... For 200 years, the candy cane came only in one color — white ...
Raising Cane | Christian History
We'll take a look at some of these legends, starting with the candy cane. ... So yes, the candy cane's origin was Christian. But it was almost ...