It's okay to celebrate diversity in schools as long as it's not religious diversity?

Here we come to that time of year, yes both college and pro football and basketball is in full swing. The first season of Hockey has started and those of us who like to ski are checking out the regional mountains for number of trails open. It's also the start of the ridiculous time of year where every retail outlet in the world wants you to buy their stuff for the holidays! It's also that time of year where millions of children go to school wondering if they can mention any type of religious holiday greeting to their classmates.

We are at that moment of the year now where Holidays from Halloween through Christmas have been marginalized to a politically correct nod. Schools today around the country have cancelled Halloween parties and costumes because some believe that Halloween has some sort of religious overtones others have over protective Principals and parents who are scared of food allergies.

Some schools have cancelled Thanksgiving parties and dress up because some parents believe that it is demeaning to have children dress up like Indians and sing songs with other children. Some parents don't want to talk about the real history of the native American Indian and their issues with the new-comer English. These parents feel that their children knowing what the Americans did to the Indians is not something they want their children to learn in school. Really?

Then there is the Mother of all Holidays in the schools. Christmas and Hanukkah. Christian Boys and Girls living, breathing and learning with Jewish Boys and Girls. Now a child either Jewish or Christian or (fill in Religion) cannot go around wishing anyone Happy Hanukkah or Merry Christmas.  Really? What are we teaching our children about living and appreciating diversity when your child cannot celebrate another child's religious holiday with them? If it helps them to learn the beauty of our differences, accepts others who are different,... oh and makes them happy doing so why are schools being so ridiculous about this?

As a student growing up on Long Island where 20 percent of the population was Jewish and 80 percent Christian I had no problem wishing my Jewish friends Happy Hanukkah, even happy New Year on Rosh Hashanah! And you know what? My Jewish friend had no problem wishing me Merry Christmas they actually enjoyed it.

Folks what are we telling our children when they cannot celebrate each other's diversity and religious differences? You never know, they might grow up to be able to handle diversity much better than the Adult generations we have today. There is nothing correct about this type of Political Correctness.  Children should not feel stressed about whether they can wish one of their friends Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah, Happy Easter or Happy Rosh Hashanah! Children naturally will find common ground with their peers and accept them for who they are. It is only when adults interject their "Infinite Wisdom" do they find bias, racism and bigotry.

Our schools spend so much time and effort learning diversity with numerous holidays, events, classes and essay contests. Heck we even have a Diversity day in our schools.  It's okay to "Walk the Walk" on just about any diversity topic around race and culture but not religious diversity.

I hope the Parents, Boards of Education and School Principals learn that it is a child's initial desire to make friends and accept others that will bring peace in our future. Help them foster that growth and keep you Political Correctness to yourselves.