Source: The Seattle Times

On November 7, 2000, The Seattle Times reported that "The Kent School District recently modified its holiday-observance guidelines to become more sensitive to the growing diversity of religious and cultural beliefs in its schools. But some parents and community members are accusing the state's fourth-largest school district of turning into the Grinch who stole Christmas. The district was flooded with dozens of phone calls and e-mails last week about its new restrictions on winter holiday decorations and activities. Critics said the new policies are "too politically correct" and spoil traditional holiday festivities. In response, administrators temporarily put the guidelines on hold and scheduled a series of public forums in the next week to gather more comments on the issue. School officials will decide whether to revise the guidelines again before Thanksgiving. One rule that seems to have sparked dissatisfaction among some parents prohibits decorated trees and wreaths on school-district property because 'they may be seen by some as religious symbols,' according to the guidelines. Trees and wreaths can be displayed, but they have to stand bare - no lights, no garlands, not even presents for local charities. 'They said they didn't want a Christmas tree with decorations, but it's OK if you bring a green tree into the building? I mean, give me a break. . . . A Christmas tree is a Christmas tree,' said Jan Nield, a community member who raised two sons in the district...The new guidelines, adopted last month by the administration after being recommended by a committee of about a dozen parents, school principals and school staff members, were created because existing policies on holiday activities and decorations were too confusing, said Becky Hanks, a district spokeswoman...The committee that created the guidelines was formed last spring. Because the recommendations were considered an administrative procedure, School Board approval was not required, Hanks said."