Editor’s note: Today’s letters to the editor are from Southwest Junior High students learning about persuasive writing.

To the editor:

All public buildings, such as schools, have been told to ban all symbols and icons that have any resemblance to religion. This also interferes with Christians innocently trying to get festive with the yearly celebration of Christmas.

The main argument against Christmas celebrated in public areas is that, “It is politically incorrect, and will be offensive to those outside the Christian faith.” Even the image of Santa Claus has been banned from such areas, and Santa Claus has much more to do with the spirit of gift giving than it does with the Christian faith.

The belief that Christmas should be private is completely ridiculous. The United States was founded under mainly Christian beliefs, it is absurd that Americans are making such a huge deal about the few people (Christians or not) who are truly offended by it.

There is no rule that if you celebrate Christmas you must give into the Christian faith. Many non-Christians celebrate Christmas for their own enjoyment, and not to express their beliefs. It’s a free country, and there should be no policy against getting a little festive when Christmastime arrives.

Jacob Hood

Southwest Junior High