God bless Texas.
Last year, the Lone Star State passed a bill that allows schools to say things like, “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Hanukah” without retribution.
Co-authored by Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston) and Richard Raymond (D-Laredo), the bill, “allows students, parents, teachers and administrators the freedom to acknowledge these traditional winter holidays without fear of litigation or punishment and restores common sense by placing Supreme Court precedent into state law,” according to the law’s official website.
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Passed May 8, 2013, H.B. No. 308 specifies:
Sec. 29.920. WINTER CELEBRATIONS. (a) A school district may educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations, and allow students and district staff to offer traditional greetings regarding the celebrations, including: (1) “Merry Christmas”; (2) “Happy Hanukkah”; and (3) “happy holidays.” (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a school district may display on school property scenes or symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations, including a menorah or a Christmas image such as a nativity scene or Christmas tree, if the display includes a scene or symbol of: (1) more than one religion; or (2) one religion and at least one secular scene or symbol. (c) A display relating to a traditional winter celebration may not include a message that encourages adherence to a particular religious belief.
According to Rep. Bohac who initiated the bill:
“This bill originated when I picked up my first grade son from school last year and asked him how his day went. He told me that his class had decorated their holiday tree with holiday ornaments. When I asked what a holiday tree was, he told me it was the same as a Christmas tree. After inquiring with school officials as to why the term ‘Holiday Tree’ was being used, it became apparent that the school was fearful of litigation.”
Yesterday, Representatives Bohac and Raymond held a press conference. Local Houston News reported:
“With Christmas around the corner, our goal is to educate the public on this state law so that our teachers and students are able to celebrate the upcoming holiday season without fear of retribution or punishment,” said Bohac.”This law is about providing clarity,” Rep. Raymond said.
So, Merry Christmas, y’all!
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