May schools incorporate religious themes in a holiday assembly or winter concert?
The study of religious holidays may also include “more than mere classroom instruction.” 45 For instance, public performances or presentations of music, literature and art are permissible, as long as they are “presented objectively as part of a secular program of education.” 46 A permissible purpose for such a program may be advancing students’ knowledge of society’s cultural and religious heritage. 47 Religious music, literature, art or other religious activities should never dominate school activities. These activities are permissible only if they make up a small portion of a school-sponsored event. For instance, it may be permissible to have students act out a play which contains one scene where a family is shown opening presents on Christmas morning. However, school-sponsorship of a play about the birth of Jesus would be impermissible because such performances are inherently affirmations of a certain religious point of view. School-sponsored activities should also focus on more tha
