Display of Nativity Scenes Banned

BROOKLYN – New York Post reported that a suit that was filed against the city Department of Education in 2002 regarding banning nativity scenes in public schools finally came to a decision. The federal judge has ruled favor of the city – while allowing other secular holiday symbols such as Islamic star and Christmas trees, nativity scenes can’t be displayed at the public schools.

Brooklyn federal Judge Charles Sifton found that the city was following the law by teaching students both the religious and the secular aspects of the holiday symbols without feeling threatened by them.

A Catholic Queens mom had sued the Education Department saying the ban discriminated against her two sons and other Christian students.

According to Lisa Grumet, a senior lawyer for the city, "Holiday displays guidelines are based on Supreme Court decisions. Under the guidelines, schools teach children about different cultures and faiths, while avoiding promoting any particular religion.”