Christmas on College Campuses?

Should public universities display secular Christmas decorations, like Christmas trees and lights? Here's some insight into this heated controversy.

Should public colleges and universities display secular Christmas decorations, like Christmas trees and lights? In the United States, this has become a heated controversy in recent years, and I'd love to hear what my readers have to say about this.

Those who support Christmas decorations on college campuses argue that Christmas is an important part of American culture and of the lives of the majority of students. Refusal to display Christmas decorations brings up freedom of speech issues, as it is banning a form of expression important to many students. They argue it is an example of politically correct extremism. On the other side of the issue, students who are not Christian feel excluded by these decorations and celebrations. Public universities receive public funding, and many feel it is a violation of the separation of church and state to display images associated with a religious holiday. Non-Christians may feel like Christmas decorations are a subtle way to push religious beliefs upon them, under the guise of "Christmas is for everybody."

I think people with opinions on both sides of this issue would benefit from trying to understand this issue from the perspective of others. For those who favor Christmas decorations on campus and in other public places: try to imagine what it must feel like to live in a society where the culture's biggest celebration of family and giving is based around a tradition that is contrary to your own. Non-Christians often feel like they have to choose between betraying their own beliefs or opting out of a major component of American culture. Christmas is absolutely everywhere in American culture, and it's comforting to have a few Christmas-free public spaces this time of year.

Likewise, people who want Christmas symbols out of public spaces should try to understand the other side as well. To many Americans, Christmas is a joyful celebration that they associate with their most beloved childhood memories. To have someone come along and say that the images of this celebration are exclusionary can be painful. For those that see Christmas as an important religious celebration, attempts to limit the expression of Christmas can feel like persecution.

Here's my personal take on things. I don't think there needs to be a ban on all secular symbols of Christmas on campuses. These symbols bring many students joy and comfort , especially as finals roll along, and they are an important part of American culture. Campuses can balance these Christmas symbols with secular displays of non-Christian holidays throughout the year (and not just Hanukkah, which is a relatively insignificant religious festival). However, I do think campuses should show respect for non-Christian members of their communities and voluntarily limit the amount of Christmas symbols on campus. Since I am Jewish, I personally appreciate efforts like these very much. Students should be free to decorate personal spaces like dorm rooms in any way they want, but should understand that public spaces on campus are for everybody.

This, of course, is solely my own perspective. I'd love to hear what you think. Also, please check out my suggestions for holiday gifts for college students.

Naomi R-G