ICC Note
Christian nativity scenes are discriminated against in NYC public schools, while Jewish menorahs and stars, and Islamic crescents are allowed.
Appeals Court Upholds Nativity Ban in NYC Schools
By Susan Jones
CNSNews.com (02/ 03/ 2006)
To read the full story, click here: CNSNews.com
A federal appeals court in New York ruled it’s okay for New York City Public Schools to ban the display of Christian nativity scenes during the Christmas season, even though displays of the Jewish menorah and Islamic star and crescent are permitted during Hanukkah and Ramadan.
A conservative group that sued the school system over its policy said Christians should be outraged by the ruling.
The Thomas More Law Center challenged the ban on nativity scenes in December 2002, on behalf of Andrea Skoros and her two children, who complained that New York City ‘s policy was violating their right to free exercise of religion.
The city defended its policy by arguing that the menorah and the star and crescent were permissible symbols because they were “secular,” whereas the nativity scene had to be excluded because it was “purely religious.”
In February 2004, a federal judge in New York agreed that Christian Nativity scenes do not belong in public school classrooms and he dismissed the lawsuit.
Skoros appealed, and on Thursday, a higher court ruled against her as well.
To view the complete story click here: Appeals Court Upholds Nativity Ban in NYC Schools
