I’m not interesting in flaming anyone just some quick points for Frederik G.
a) I have worked in three schools in Peel for the last 5 years; the last two having 65-75 teachers. We’ve always had a Christmas tree up in December. Its put up and decorated by students and kept in the front entrance. I have never ever heard it referred to as a ‘holiday tree’.
b) Missionary work, religious oppression, and religious education are huge parts in the formation of Canada.
c) Schools recognise as many holidays and celebrations as they can. The school I work at is about 45% south Asian, (maybe more). We celebrate about 5-6 South Asian festivals. Schools look at their demographics and then focus on celebrations that might acknowledge those students, (by that I mean displays, assemblies, announcements).
Often they group holidays together in themes, (to celebrate commonalties). An example is the Festivals of lights, (Christmas, Hanukah, Diwali, there are a few more that tie into this).
d) The majority of Peel is Christian/ Catholic. The board is not silly enough to push those children aside and not value them.
e) Rastafarians can grow their dreads and wear their ‘hats’ in schools. I’ve seen a Rasta teacher.
f) There is no room for hate in schools. Be that racial based, gender based, sexual orientation based. A good example is Gay rights. I’ve been at schools were the community is really anti-gay, (often for religious reasons). If children use slurs like fagot or homo they would have been suspended. That’s why I see the KKK having no place in schools, (do they have a positive agenda in anyway?).
g) There is no freedom of speech in schools. You can not say what you want when ever you want: I agree with this.
Schools are an environment to show our children what an ideal society might look like. One where everyone plays together, uses appropriate language, and behaviour: one where kids try to understand each other, and are not afraid to ask questions. It can be a real a positive environment, (at least in middle schools). It’s unfortunate that society isn’t always that way.
DSB