It was a Winter Tree, meant for a Winter Dance, but someone complained to the school board and the tree had to go.
This is in Ames, Iowa, population 50, 000, demographics 87.34% White, 7.70% Asian, 2.65% African American, 0.04% American Indian, 0.76% Pacific Islander and other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race 1.98% of the population.
O CHRISTMAS TREE: Ames High School takes down holiday decorations
School Officals say they got calls calling the tree "offensive"By Emily Carlson Chicago Tribune December 5, 2010
A Christmas tree in Ames High School's cafeteria was taken down just two days after it was donated to the school for its winter dance. School officials say they removed the decoration after several phone calls stating it was "offensive."
Ames school district officials call it a "winter tree," but students say the tree was clearly a Christmas tree. Both described it as a pine tree decorated with cardinal and gold lights and ornaments.
Students say the tree went up on Monday, then suddenly taken down on Wednesday. All school officials would tell Channel 13 today was that they received several calls that the tree was "offensive."
The district's policy on religion says, "The district is required by law to keep the practice of religion out of the school curriculum. Preferential or derogatory treatment of any religion shall not take place."
I noticed this, at the bottom of the site:
It is the policy of the Ames Community School District to maintain a nondiscriminatory environment in every aspect of the operation of the District. The District will provide equal educational and employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in its educational programs and activities or its employment and personnel policies. Dr. Tim Taylor, Deputy Superintendent, is the reporting officer for affirmative action, desegregation, and discrimination. Any questions should be directed to: Dr. Tim E. Taylor - Educational Services Center[Email him]
The interesting this is that someone complained. No word on who complained—it could have been Muslims, Jews, atheists, or SWPLÂ white Anglo-Saxon protestants who hate Sarah Palin. The school board didn't say.
