Leading up to the winter holiday season, some educators expressed concerns about student inclusion.

  • “December is really confusing for non-Christian kids in public schools. Holiday shows and decorations and constant Christmas music playing. I don’t know if teachers really consider all of this from their perspective. If schools are going to insist on Christmas-themed productions etc., teachers could at least create positive experiences for their marginalized students that don’t force them to compromise their identities. Don’t just sit them to the side and make them watch.” —Elementary Educator in New York
    • This post gained viral traction, including a large wave of hostile responses that exemplify the growing trend of anti-inclusivity seen following the election cycle in the education sphere, and particularly on X. This led to the educator locking their account saying, “I had to lock down for the first time in my 9 years on Twitter. For reminding teachers to be more inclusive during the holidays.”
    • “Those sorts of activities are so ingrained in the K-2 world. It would be sacrilegious to NOT do them in lots of K5 classrooms. I grew up in a school that talked about Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Christmas, and that played a big role in the reason I stopped doing Christmas activities in class.” —Previous Elementary Educator in South Carolina
    • “I teach high school; my students who don’t celebrate Christmas aren’t confused anymore. They’ve told me that they know & are reminded every winter that they don’t fit in. Is that the kind of school experience people want for kids?!” —High School ELA Teacher in Texas
    • “Oh you have a valid point! My school’s office always makes me laugh because they will decorate, but try to include all the colors/symbols you can get into it. But they do try to keep it to mostly ‘winter’ themes.” —Middle School History Teacher in New York