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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Some Republican Sumner County School Board members have been pushing to revert to the term “Winter Break” on the school calendar instead of “Christmas Break” as they feel the term is too exclusionary, a proposal that came to a head during the board’s Tuesday night meeting.
The request for the change was originated by board member Wade Evans after he seemingly expressed regret for voting in favor of a “Charlie Kirk Day” resolution and received pushback from more progressive constituents in his district.
He and another Republican member, Meghan Breinig argued the mention of the Christian holiday is too divisive and could make those who do not celebrate feel excluded and unseen.
While some mild debate happened during a non-voting study session, things became slightly more heated during the board’s regular meeting on the evening of Oct. 21.
Evans claimed the reversal was necessary as, “We voted on it [last year] with no public input and no chance to hear from our constituents.” He feels they did “a bad job as a board because we did not represent everyone by getting their feedback.”
Breinig thought the board needed more compromise. “We don’t need to be us versus them,” she said. “We don’t need to be at each other’s throats over words on a calendar. And when it comes down to it, whatever I can do to find a way to see your humanity, to find common ground with you, I will do.”
Those in favor of keeping the name chance argued that the acknowledgement of Christmas aligns with the beliefs and values of the mostly conservative constituency and pointed to the fact that the December break is specifically scheduled around the celebrating of the holiday.
“We all know it’s the Christmas season. Why do we have to be politically correct to put Winter Break on here?” asked board member Andy Lacy. “We’re trying to water down the Christmas holidays by adding ‘winter’ in there.”
“This needs to be called Christmas Break, because that is what is what it is, and everyone knows that’s what it is,” contended board member Steven King. “It’s the reason there is a break in the first place, because of Christmas, not some other holiday.”
Allen Lancaster reminded the board that last year’s vote to make the switch was unanimous, “Every single one of us said that. The community in general celebrates Christmas…To now go back and say, ‘Hey, we were wrong,’ then means I’m saying that Christmas is exclusionary. I’m not going to do that.”
He also stated that the board has bigger issues to focus on and the controversy surrounding the issue has made them “to look foolish on this by a lot of people.”
“I’m not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said member Tammy Hayes. “I have no problem with calling it Christmas.” She also reiterated the official recognition of Christmas by the state and federal governments.
Several members of the public also voiced their opinions on the matter, with numerous speaking in favor of keeping “Christmas” and some chastising those supporting the regression for betraying their portrayals of themselves as conservatives and/or Christians during their campaigns.
Those against acknowledging Christmas echoed the arguments in favor of “inclusivity” and the importance of representing other religions outside the Christian faith.
An amended proposal suggested calling the period “Christmas/Winter Break”, but it failed.
Ultimately, the vote to retain “Christmas Break” on the school system’s calendar was overwhelmingly “Yes”, with Evans and Breinig being the only two members to vote against.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
