Bangee5 wrote:
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 principals office and given a week-long suspension. His punishment was consequence for saying Merry Christmas to his homeroom teacher earlier that morning.
Dawsons 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 didnt think it would cause so much trouble just for saying a couple little words.
The boys mother, Laura Dawson, 41, was fuming over the issue.
You dont traumatize a child who loves to go to school, who wanted to be early every day to school, you dont make him cry, just for wishing someone Merry Christmas, she told reporters, holding back tears. You just dont 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 hell [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/
San Francisco, CA The war on Christmas continu... (
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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.