Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

San Francisco, CA — The ‘war on Christmas’ continues as a simple well-wishing of ‘Merry Christmas’ has led to big trouble for one fourth-grade San Francisco boy this week.

Timothy Dawson, a 9-year-old student at Argon Elementary School in San Francisco, CA., was in the school cafeteria Monday eating with friends when he was taken to the principal’s office and given a week-long suspension. His punishment was consequence for saying ‘Merry Christmas’ to his homeroom teacher earlier that morning.

Dawson’s teacher, 35-year-old Paul Horner who is an outspoken Atheist, was offended at the students display of Christmas spirit and had staff suspend the young boy for the rest of the week.

“I say ‘Merry Christmas’ to everyone,” the boy told CNN. “I didn’t think it would cause so much trouble just for saying a couple little words.”

The boy’s mother, Laura Dawson, 41, was fuming over the issue.

“You don’t traumatize a child who loves to go to school, who wanted to be early every day to school, you don’t make him cry, just for wishing someone Merry Christmas,” she told reporters, holding back tears. “You just don’t do it.”

Reporters spoke with Mr. Horner as he was leaving from school on Tuesday. “I warned the children not to bring religion into my classroom,” Horner said. “Maybe he’ll [Tim] listen to adults next time.”

Argon Elementary School officials declined to comment.

http://nolapdogmedia.com/9-year-old-suspended-for-saying-merry-christmas-to-teacher/

picturedude Loc: Yosemite natl. park, Ca.

This is the biggest load of crap I've ever heard of.

morrisb Loc: adelaide south australia

What a thoughtless arrogant excuse of a teacher.
I too regard my self as an a atheist, but i'm happy to accept other peoples views / beliefs.

MsLala Loc: Kingston, NY

Banjee5,
As I read this I became more and more upset. I've taught for ten years and even if one doesn't believe in religion, one faith over another or as this teacher stated "I warned them not to bring religion into the classroom" chances are at the 4th grade age level, the boy wasn't thinking as Christmas as a religious symbol but as any other holiday where presents are given. And even if he is knowledgeable about the true meaning of Christmas, I believe whole heartily he meant it as a greeting more than anything else. And the school, giving into this teacher is unbelievable. I'd like to see the school handbook and see where it states a child gets a weeks suspension for wishing someone a Merry Christmas. It had better be in there along with all the consequences that go along with inappropriate behaviors. If any punishment should have been given to the boy, it should have been a written letter of apology, not a weeks suspension. As for the teacher his punishment for acting so childish should have been a weeks suspension without pay. Ridiculous!! This never should have occurred, and the school officials need to grow backbones to stand up to unreasonable teachers and staff members.
Laura

bob44044 Loc: Ohio

A direct violation of This child's first amendment rights. File suit!

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

I too was shocked when I read this. I did not make this post as an attack on atheists. I respect their rights to believe as they wish. I feel that our school system has gone to far in the method of teaching our young, if you can call it a method. Children can no longer be children in expressing their imagination. You can no longer point your finger at you buddy pretending to shoot a gun or pretend to shoot a bow and arrow. Little boys can not kiss the hand of their kindergarten girl friend or hug their playmates as this is sexual harassment. A child can not say Merry Christmas? We are allowing our teachers to take away the innocent of our youth. Granted, not all teachers are bad teachers and I hate to use such broad of a brush but haven't we all allowed this behavior to wards our young to go to far?

magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

Information I found on the net claims this story to be false and satire. Let's hope so. If not the teacher should be canned like a fruit cake at Christmas Tyme.

picturedude Loc: Yosemite natl. park, Ca.

I hope your info is correct.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

I find it hard to be satire as I see nothing funny about it but could you post a link as to what you found on the net.

heyrob Loc: Western Washington

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

Doing my own search... one does not know what to believe any more.

http://wafflesatnoon.com/2013/12/14/9-year-old-suspended-merry-christmas-to-teacher/

http://nationalreport.net/9-year-old-suspended-saying-merry-christmas-teacher/

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=20d_1387036245

heyrob Loc: Western Washington

This is the most moronic thing I've ever heard. An adult man is offended by a child wishing him a Merry Christmas? I think it is the teacher who who needs some time off. (Without pay) Oh and he should be forced to work the holiday too, after all let's not forget the reason for the season.

magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

I was going to post it and then forgot. Who am I?

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/398495-9-year-old-suspended-for-saying-merry-christmas-to-teacher-article-is-a-hoax/

http://wafflesatnoon.com/2013/12/14/9-year-old-suspended-merry-christmas-to-teacher/

heyrob Loc: Western Washington

Thanks Ray, my faith in the human animal was about to be completely shattered.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

Here is a sample of the National report...

http://nationalreport.net/