A Texas lawmaker is reminding teachers and school administrators about his new law that legally protects a school wishing to celebrate winter religious holidays.
Nonprofit groups like Texas Values and even Santa Claus himself stood by supporting state Rep. Dwayne Bohac, R-Houston, and the law he passed that provides teachers and school administrators the legal protection of the attorney general’s office when celebrating holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah.
"This bill was about restoring common sense during the holidays," Bohac said. "Our school teachers and principals have enough on their plate without having to worry about frivolous lawsuits for celebrating Christmas or have to worry about retribution for putting a Santa or a Christmas tree in their classroom. This bill simply adds protection."
Jonathan Saenz with Texas Values said he’s heard firsthand from parents and teachers regarding this issue.
"We’ve seen a student bring a candy cane to a winter party, but because it referenced Jesus his item was put away and told it was not allowed," Saenz said.
Saenz said censoring a teacher or student from saying "Merry Christmas" is a violation of that person’s first amendment right. Saenz’s group has an major ongoing ad campaign about the new law being aired in every major Texas city throughout the Holiday season.
