Principal on leave for banning Christmas decorations at school

OMAHA, Neb. (WCMH) — A Christmas controversy in Nebraska has a new school principal on leave.

The Elkhorn School District told KETV the principal banned Christmas decorations from classrooms, and the fact that she didn’t consult with administrators about the policy beforehand is a real problem.

In a two-page memo sent to teachers and staff at Manchester Elementary, Principal Jennifer Sinclair laid out her list highlighting “not acceptable practices” during the holiday season.

That list, banning Christmas in the classroom, included candy canes because they symbolize a ‘j’ for Jesus. Also banned; Santas and Christmas trees.

On the “acceptable items” list: snowmen, penguins, and holidays around the world.

In her memo Sinclair calls the list inclusive and culturally sensitive to all students. And she signed it “The unintentional Grinch who stole Christmas from Manchester.”

The Elkhorn School District released a statement saying administration “Promptly addressed the issue,” and the memo does “not reflect the policy of Elkhorn Public Schools.”

A district spokesperson told KETV the school is receiving a high volume of phone calls from concerned parents, and an officer will be present at school in the coming days.