It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - except at N.Y. City public schools

Division of the Polish American Congress along with Bill Donohue, President of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil
Rights, join in support of City Council Member Tony Avella at his press conference to allow nativity scene displays in New York City public elementary and secondary schools.
 
As long ago as June, 2007, Avella has been asking for Council hearings on a resolution he sponsored to "allow for the display of a nativity scene/creche along with the other permitted religious displays - the menorah and the star and crescent."
 
Referring to an appeals court decision on the matter, Donohue recalled that this court "never said that a nativity scene could not be displayed alongside a menorah and a crescent star (though schools could elect to substitute a secular symbol like the Christmas tree).  Therefore, it is up to the New York City authorities to either practice inclusion and allow creches to be displayed or practice discrimination and deny them."
 
Donohue and Avella reject the position that a Christmas tree is an adequate religious symbol when displayed alongside the Jewish menorah and the star and crescent of Islam.
 
"DOE (Department of Education) cannot dictate to Christians and Catholics what truly represents their religiouis faith during this holiday season," said Avella.
 
Representing two of the major Catholic ethnic groups living in New York City, the Polish American Congress and the Ancient Order of Hibernians appeared at Avella's press conference to show their support for his efforts.
 
Contact:  Frank Milewski
(718) 263-2700 - ext. 105
pacdny@verizon.net