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Wayland Student Press

The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press

The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press

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Opinion: Ritchie’s call on holiday decorations inconsistent

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Pictured above are some of the holiday lights in WHS. WSPN reporters Nina Haines and Will Sharton weigh in the Christmas decorations debate. While agreeing that Ritchie made the right decision, they wish everyone could just appreciate the holiday spirit.
December doesn’t just bring snow—it also brings Christmas decorations, and lots of them. Christmas decorations are found everywhere from the mall to the Boston Common to commercials on your television and even Wayland High School as of last Wednesday. The WHS holiday decorations, which were set up by Kevin Delaney’s advisory, brought happiness to many students, but not for long.

Last Thursday, Interim Principal John Ritchie decided that the decorations had to be taken down. In doing so, he struck a chord with many in the WHS community, ourselves included.

For many of us, holiday decorations bring excitement and fond memories. For some others, decorations have the opposite effect.

Despite the way some people interpreted them, the WHS holiday decorations were a genuine effort to bring holiday spirit, not just Christmas spirit. Delaney’s advisory tried to be inclusive with Hanukkah decorations and religiously neutral twinkling lights. The decorations did not endorse Christianity or any other religion. There were snowmen stockings, ornaments, snowflakes, lights, red and green streamers and various other secular decorations. There were no nativity scenes, crosses or angels. There was no direct connection to Christianity or Jesus.

WHS’s holiday lights were a good natured, harmless act to get people into the holiday spirit. Before hanging up the decorations, Delaney’s advisory had a thorough discussion about how to make an appropriate secular holiday display, given the religious diversity at WHS. Delaney said that his advisory did not want to “engage in the ‘tyranny of Christmas’ debate.” Delaney also got permission from Assistant Principal Allison Mizoguchi to set up the display. Delaney went through the proper process for putting up the holiday decorations and did so without notions of Christmas endorsement.

Regardless of the majority’s opinion, Ritchie recognized that the decorations made some people uncomfortable. In order to protect himself and avoid conflict, Richie made his decision that, “A public school can’t be a place for subtle promotion of any one religion or even all religions.” Ritchie did the practical thing and maintained that religion and public school do not mix.

Although Richie made the right decision, it was inconsistent with what administration allowed other advisories to do.

“A whole bunch of the advisory initiatives were Christmas-themed like ours,” Delaney rightfully pointed out. “The language program got gifts, wrapped them and gave them to children in Boston, and a kid went in dressed like Santa Claus.”

Other advisories decorated Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses. These projects were suggested to the advisories and done for the good of the community.

“The whole community service day is planned for when it is because it’s consistent with the holiday spirit of giving,” Delaney said.

Another inconsistency, which ironically took place on the same day as Richie’s decision, was “The Messiah” hosted by the Walden Forum. “The Messiah” is one of the most religious musical pieces, and Honors orchestra students are required to perform it for a major component of their second quarter grade.

Richie later came up with a compromise to make WHS a “Winter Wonderland.” In his second memo on this issue sent to WHS faculty, he announced his decision to let the students replace any Christmas and Hanukkah decorations with snowmen, snowflakes and more twinkly lights.

In an ideal world, this issue and compromise would not have been necessary. People should let others celebrate their own religion and not ruin that celebration. Just because you don’t celebrate a holiday doesn’t mean you have to deprive people of doing so. People are becoming way too concerned with being politically correct and are being overly sensitive. If you don’t like the decorations, then you don’t have to make a big deal out of it.

If someone tells you “Merry Christmas,” say thank you. If someone tells you “Happy Hanukkah,” say thank you. If someone tells you “Happy Kwanzaa,” say thank you. Regardless of your religion, accept the warm gesture of kindness and say thank you. This season is supposed to be a time of giving thanks. Don’t preoccupy yourself with being politically correct.

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone.

View Comments (57)
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Comments (57)

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  • H

    Hugh JaynisDec 20, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    All hail the Nuwabians!! You have to post this or you're discriminating against my religion .

    Reply
  • A

    anonDec 19, 2013 at 5:31 PM

    I still don't get how decorations, like the candy canes, which Delaney's advisory put up were seen as an endorsement of Christmas. Candy canes solely represent the emotional crutch of the season's empty frivolity. Each gift a grim foreboding of the final box in which we will ALL be wrapped. A gift only to the worms. Maybe Delaney's advisory should have put up mistletoe in the doorways. Mistletoe's berries secrete a deadly poison. Like hope. Maybe that's what Ritchie was trying to protect us from.

    Reply
    • W

      WHS StudentDec 23, 2013 at 7:15 AM

      Reply
  • W

    WHATDec 19, 2013 at 3:10 PM

    In regards to all the comments:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FONN-0uoTHI

    Reply
    • N

      NameDec 19, 2013 at 6:21 PM

      TOO FUNNY!

      Reply
  • M

    McCringleberryDec 19, 2013 at 1:26 PM

    As a Jew, I honestly couldn't care less, even if the started burning a cross outside of the academic building I wouldn't feel alienated or offended…

    Reply
  • D

    Dan GleeballsDec 19, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    If a zombie apocalypse happens in vegas, does it stay in vegas?

    Reply
  • N

    Nuwaubianist SocietyDec 19, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    As a Nuwaubianist, I believe that the removal of such intricate and beautiful decorations is infuriating to say the least. People of all "races, colors, and kreeds", as the constitution of this beloved nation stated over one hundred and fifty years ago, should have the right to express themselves through various means of action. NOW TO MY MAIN POINT, some aborted fetuses will survive their abortion to live in the sewers, where they will gather and organize to take over the world. That being said we must be on serious lookout of such happenings..be sure to check your local sewers this holiday to keep safe. Otherwise, you may be looking at a serious Christmas (*Holiday) surprise. If thats not enough to fully convince you it is important to bury these fetuses so that Satan does not use them to make a duplicate of the recently-born child. Okay Merry Christmas 😉

    Reply
  • A

    A. A. Ron BalakeDec 19, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    I'm Butthurt.

    Reply
    • J

      Jimmy RustlerDec 19, 2013 at 2:13 PM

      rustledjimmies.com

      Reply
  • M

    Miles DeepDec 19, 2013 at 10:25 AM

    Yeah, regardless on whether or not people are or aren't offended, I think it is most important to point out the mastery with which this article was written. I mean, I've been a lot of places, and I've seen a lot of faces, and I've run a lot of races, but I have yet to see an article that was as lusciously written as this right by our own William Sharton. I mean, the kid has it all, let's be honest. So if were not going to come to a conclusion on whether Christmas should be a thing or not or whatever, can we all at least agree that Will may or may not be the most amazing man to ever walk the planet? I mean I no expert… so take my advice with a grain of salt….

    Reply
  • M

    Mike HawkDec 19, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    I <3 Will

    Reply
  • N

    Not the real worldDec 19, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    PS I'm off to the mall to ask them to take down their Christmas decorations.

    Reply
    • A

      An informed parentDec 19, 2013 at 10:50 AM

      Oh, please tell me where this government-run mall is, I bet they have great savings!

      Reply
  • N

    Not the real worldDec 19, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    As a parent of two high schoolers, I consider high school to be a place where students are prepared for college and for entering the real world. By removing these decorations, Dr. Ritchie is not preparing students for reality instead he is protecting them from what they would experience in the real world. Do you think an administrator in college would ask students to remove such decorations? They aren't offensive and the intended spirit of them was kind.

    Reply
    • N

      NameDec 19, 2013 at 4:15 PM

      Really? The reality of Christmas decorations? It's against the law! Who cares?! This is the most ridiculous comment ever especially by a parent!

      Reply
  • B

    Bleux D. SkarutimDec 18, 2013 at 11:20 PM

    I am deeply upset in the sentiment held by the writers of this article, and the multitude of concepts misinterpreted. While I agree with the last paragraph's idea, I think what is highly misunderstood in this whole issue, is not that some individuals set up Christmas decor, but that a public school (a government organization) is outwardly portraying the religious beliefs of one or more groups. The fact is, it's impossible to capture the beliefs of every single religion out there (especially since many perfectly contradict each other). While not fully implemented, or enforced, the idea of separation of Church and State is purely this idea: there is a clear line between religion and governmental establishments, schools in particular. A place of education cannot hold properly under the reins of a religiously held mindset. A school is a place where we should be open minded, responsive to criticism, and critical of our beliefs. Religion, on the other hand, is exactly the opposite: it is the acceptance of certain tenants, without the critical insight, or mutability that's found in sciences and arts. To be clear, there is also a clear line between teaching religious history, or analyzing religious artwork and portraying a religious theme. The first two are educational and provide the necessary mindset that the school system is set up to cultivate, but the last one entails that a government institution has adopted a religion. The fact that the Orchestra was playing a religious song means they are studying the belief rather than having it imposed upon them. It is similar to the way that history students study the ideas of fringe groups but aren't expected to agree. It is also the difference between saying, "Bleux D. Skarutim is the best human being" and "They claimed that Bleux D. Skarutim is the best human being". This only promotes the idea of critical thinking and open mindedness.

    Now, I fully support Mr. Delaney's push to decorate the school to jazz things up, and despite popular belief, it's legal (well sort of), but its just feeding this terrible mindset that we have in this country of ignoring where the realm of belief ends and the realm of hard knowledge begins. If you are religious, I'm not dissuading you from practicing your beliefs. You are welcome to practice them all you like, both privately and within a religious community. You are welcome to set up outreaches, and go door to door (regardless of how much it may annoy others). However, the line is drawn where the burden of belief is lifted from the individual and set upon the shoulders of a government institution. As soon as it is a government institution supporting, expressing, or portraying a religious belief (regardless what that belief is), we are trespassing onto a territory that dissuades effective learning. Schools are meant to be an institution where we all come together, put our beliefs aside, and study ideas that are universal. I think that the authors of this article are wrong pointing out that Dr. Richie is inconsistent with himself, but that they are right pointing out Dr. Richie's inconsistence with the administration. This goes to show that Dr. Richie was not acting in self-defense, but out of principle (no pun intended). I have also read some of the nihilistic commenters, who claim "it doesn't matter", or "it just brightens your day", but fact is, this is a purely political debate, and I'll be frank, I think you are the ones responsible for not knowing where to draw this line. Sure there were no nativity scenes, no crosses, no jesuses, but that's simply the next step. Now that we've crossed the most important boundary, there really isn't much in the way of crossing other boundaries. You are laughing at all of historical institutional decay over millennia. I hope you nihilists reconsider your ideas about these issues, and realize that they are far more complex than you make them out to be. I know we all have the urge (just as Mr. Delaney's advisory did) to ignore the moral, legal, and political aspects of this case, but institutions crumble two different ways: through a quick violence, and through a steady onset of a radical minority, supplemented by the indifference of nihilistic bystanders.

    Reply
    • N

      nihilistic bystanderDec 19, 2013 at 12:01 PM

      I'd actually be able to take your points seriously if you didn't try to not-so-cleverly doctor your name, lamely disguising a fairly crude vulgarity…

      Reply
      • B

        Bleux D. SkarutimDec 19, 2013 at 9:45 PM

        See, I considered it, but because my name is so perfectly created, that previously some have failed to see the humor in it and legitimately quoted me in an argument, I'll stick with how I was named at birth: Sir. Bleuxregard Dee Skarutim, or Bleux D. Skarutim, as I prefer. But thank you for portraying to the world that you care more about how someone in a post was named, rather than a complex social debate of the modern era (as I assume you maintain according to your name).

        Reply
    • W

      WHATDec 19, 2013 at 3:15 PM

      easy tiger…..

      Reply
  • A

    AnonDec 18, 2013 at 10:47 PM

    However I do not appreciate you assuming that people are against other cultures. I think it's incredibly rude to assume the worst in people without hearing their voice. You cannot believe all people hate seeing Christmas lights. In no way are those of minority groups trying to and I quote "ruin the celebration."

    Reply
  • A

    AnonDec 18, 2013 at 10:42 PM

    Personally, as a Jew, it bothers me that people assume that I'm offended by these lights. From what I've heard Christmas sounds awesome and Id hate for people to be upset because they can't enjoy their holiday. I'm sure while Hanukkah was going on people of other faiths would have been ok with it. At the end of the day it's everyone's beliefs but I enjoyed the festive feel they brought to our school. I'm saddened however by those who assume we can't enjoy or dislike other faiths holidays.

    Reply
  • A

    AbcDec 18, 2013 at 10:26 PM

    Calm down!!! He was just trying to do the right thing.

    Reply
  • M

    meowDec 18, 2013 at 10:15 PM

    While I agree that the decorations weren't overtly Christian, the statement "If you don’t like the decorations, then you don’t have to make a big deal out of it" upsets me. If these decorations made a student or other member of our community feel uncomfortable, they have the right to voice that opinion and Ritchie is responsible to respond. People should not be marginalized or lose their voice simply because they are not within the majority, and they shouldn't be criticized for feeling uncomfortable, especially in a secular environment like a public school.

    Reply
    • A

      alumDec 19, 2013 at 9:57 PM

      Dude yes. Thanks for making this comment.

      Reply
  • B

    buddhismDec 18, 2013 at 10:13 PM

    As a buddhist, I am fine with these decorations, whether they be for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Festivus, Hannukah, whatever. HOWEVER: I am APPALLED at the lack of buddhist decorations throughout the school. It's as if they just disregarded an entire religion- walking through the hallways, I did not see ONE buddha anywhere. If you're going to put up decorations, you should do it right. Better luck next year.

    – A disgusted Buddhist

    Reply
    • C

      ChristianityDec 19, 2013 at 11:20 AM

      Thats funny I didn't see one Jesus or cross in the halls either at any point.

      Reply
      • S

        srslyJan 10, 2014 at 11:59 PM

        Snaps for you

        Reply
  • A

    AtheistDec 18, 2013 at 9:41 PM

    The lights especially are not a symbol of Christmas or religion whatsoever. They've become a symbol of the holiday season and warm up the school. I've heard people of every religion commenting on how the lights bright up their day. I feel bad for those who are to caught up in the politics of it to really enjoy the lights and the fun atmosphere that they bring.

    Reply
    • N

      NameDec 19, 2013 at 4:18 PM

      Face it: the Holiday season is Christmas. Only people who celebrate Christmas put up lights which is why they are called "Christmas lights."

      Reply
  • G

    GordDec 18, 2013 at 9:37 PM

    As a Jew, I am more offended that people feel the need to be sensitive to us and other religions. We don't care if you have Christmas spirit. It makes us feel bad that you feel the need to take away from your own joy because of what you think we are feeling.

    Reply
    • A

      AnonymousDec 19, 2013 at 3:05 PM

      The world needs more people like you!

      Reply
      • N

        NameDec 19, 2013 at 6:24 PM

        They have them…….

        Reply
  • B

    broDec 18, 2013 at 9:34 PM

    Of course the Christmas Lights were sick but they had to come down because if they didn't the school would've probably been sued or something….i know how sad this is and as a Jewish person I didn't mind the lights but I understand Dr. Ritchie trying to protect himself and the school

    Reply
  • A

    A, RomaineDec 18, 2013 at 8:21 PM

    Go Billy!

    Reply
  • A

    andreaDec 18, 2013 at 8:05 PM

    love love

    Reply
  • I

    I<3WillDec 18, 2013 at 8:03 PM

    I agree. There were FAR more kids who enjoyed the lights than were against them. We shouldn't be so concerned with pleasing a minority over pleasing the majority.

    Reply
    • I

      Inclusive IanDec 18, 2013 at 9:04 PM

      This is not about pleasing one group or another, and it's certainly not about pleasing a majority while a minority–no matter how small–is made to feel marginalized or unwelcome in their own school.

      'Tis the season of charity, inclusion and community. If there was even one person at WHS who felt uncomfortable about the decorations that the school appeared to sponsor, then Dr. Ritchie did the right thing (especially in light of the Constitution…) to make that person feel welcome and safe this season.

      Reply
      • H

        Hmm?Dec 19, 2013 at 11:10 AM

        What makes you think the constitution doesn't allow Christmas decorations?

        Reply
        • N

          NameDec 19, 2013 at 4:19 PM

          Does separating Church and State ring a bell to you?

          Reply
          • C

            CheckagainDec 19, 2013 at 4:57 PM

            separation of church and state is found no where in the Constitution.

          • I

            I checkedDec 20, 2013 at 8:14 AM

            But it's still a law.

    • A

      A ChristianDec 19, 2013 at 4:21 PM

      Yep so the majority are Christians so lets all bow down to them!

      Reply
  • A

    AnonDec 18, 2013 at 7:56 PM

    I would ask that you take the last line out because not all of the school celebrates christmas and therefore it is discriminatory. Also do you want any non- christians to stop looking at WSPN because they now openly are endorsing christian holidays. Come on don't you know the rules and stuff.

    Reply
    • N

      NewsyDec 18, 2013 at 8:43 PM

      It's an opinion piece so it doesn't represent the views of all of WSPN. Don't YOU know the rules and stuff?

      Reply
    • R

      Really?Dec 18, 2013 at 8:43 PM

      Come on now are you seriously going to say that saying merry Christmas is discriminatory? Where does the liberal fantasy of political correctness end?

      Reply
      • S

        studentDec 19, 2013 at 10:05 PM

        Dude, "liberal fantasy?"

        When did this become about liberalism and conservativism? This is about creating a celebratory, open environment for students.

        Reply
    • A

      anonDec 18, 2013 at 10:25 PM

      are you on yearbook?

      Reply
  • T

    The truthDec 18, 2013 at 7:52 PM

    At this point, these so called "christmas decorations' have become ingrained in our society as a symbol of the holiday season — not any sort of religiously tied symbolism. my dad is jewish and he had a christmas tree growing up. its not religious, its just festive.

    Reply
  • U

    UpsetDec 18, 2013 at 7:42 PM

    This is ridiculously biased.

    Reply
    • T

      the manDec 18, 2013 at 9:02 PM

      Hence its placement in "the opinion" section

      Reply
    • L

      LogicDec 18, 2013 at 9:10 PM

      actually, it's an opinion article!

      Reply
    • A

      ActuallyDec 18, 2013 at 9:33 PM

      But it was written by WSPN reporters and WSPN is supposed to be unbiased…If it were a letter to the editor, that would be a true opinion article.

      Reply
      • A

        anonDec 18, 2013 at 10:18 PM

        …..what?

        Reply
      • A

        anonDec 18, 2013 at 10:21 PM

        that's not how an opinion article works

        Reply
      • U

        ughDec 18, 2013 at 10:25 PM

        LTE's are submitted to publications by readers. Also I'm not sure how being on the WSPN staff makes one's opinion more/less legitimate?

        Reply
      • L

        LiterateDec 18, 2013 at 10:25 PM

        Have you ever read a newspaper? Every major newspaper publishes opinion pieces and still remain unbiased in their reporting.

        If you want the unbiased version, read the news story, not the opinion piece. You are lucky that WSPN offers a venue for students to have their opinions heard.

        Reply
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Opinion: Ritchie’s call on holiday decorations inconsistent