Board will discuss long-term implications
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — The Bordentown Regional School District will review its policies after determining Christian-based Christmas music will be included in the elementary concert in December.
In a message on the district website last week, Dr. Constance Bauer, superintendent, said she has recommended the songs be reinstated after “reviewing additional legal considerations and advice on the matter” as well as the “sentiments of the community at large.”
Meanwhile, the board will continue to review the “larger policy indications for the future,” she wrote.
The message was posted one day after a letter was sent to parents to affirm that three songs that specifically focused on the birth of Jesus Christ would not be included after some parents had questioned the “appropriateness and legality” of their inclusion.
Officials first announced the removal of the songs roughly two weeks earlier.
In the Oct. 31 letter, Dr. Bauer said the district had reached the previous decision to ban the songs based on a 2008 ruling involving the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education.
”Our solicitors advised us that those songs should not be included in the holiday concert,” Dr. Bauer wrote previously. “They also recommended that our secondary schools may include songs of a religious nature if they are, in fact, part of the school’s curriculum.”
She also advised parents that since the board has had little time to review this legal recommendation, policies and practices of surrounding districts are being reviewed before a formal policy decision is made.
”As with all policy decisions, we carefully consider the interests of our students and community, and this will be the case as the board reflects upon the legal guidance provided,” she said, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the subject.
”Issues like this are highly emotional and open our community to a much broader, national dialogue about freedoms and rights. Our goal as a district is to be inclusive and non-offensive, yet we want to respect all religions and traditions,” she wrote. “We ask that you grant us patience as we work through this issue, keeping in mind that our focus needs to be first on the education and safety of our students. We appreciate your understanding as we work to move forward in a way that respects everyone involved and honors our school board process and policies.”
She also encouraged parents to check the district website for updates.
Prior to the superintendent’s letter, Alliance Defending Freedom, a nonprofit legal organization that deals primarily with religious freedom issues, sent a letter to district officials to lobby for the songs’ inclusion.
”We write to explain that every federal court to examine the issue has determined that including Christmas carols and other religious music in school choir programs fully complies with the First Amendment and to urge you to immediately rescind the new policy instituted by administrative officials,” the letter read.
The letter, written by the organization’s legal counsel, further stated the district’s role as it pertains to the First Amendment is to remain neutral from religion and refrain “from demonstrating an unconstitutional hostility toward songs with religious origins.”
The issue generated a great deal of buzz on social media, particularly on the Bordentown City Facebook page.
A variety of opinions were present though more recently people noting the fact the issue had been discussed on Fox News and other large media outlets.
In addition, Dawn Applegate, of Bordentown, has started a Change.org online petition to have the board maintain policy to ensure the songs are included.
The petition, which as of Nov. 4 had over 260 signatures, quoted board policy as stating music and other art with religious themes are acceptable if presented in an objective manner and as a traditional part of the religious or culture heritage of a given holiday. The board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at Bordentown Regional High School.