How do I tell if a holiday concert is promoting a particular religion?
To check the program’s constitutionality, you need to determine whether there is a balance between the secular and the religious selections. If the music is part of a program that is primarily secular and educational, it is legal. If it seems to be promoting a single religion, suggest to the teacher that this might be a good opportunity to provide recognition of the holidays observed by non-Christian children. It is as important to remind her that she needs to ensure the comfort of the child who comes from a home where no religion is practiced, or the child whose religion teaches that celebrating any holiday is wrong. Offer to help by sharing appropriate songs. The criteria for selecting the music should be on the basis of its musical and educational value, rather than its religious context. You may want to contact the local office of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The League has helped many school districts develop policies which are constitutional and help school staff be both inc
