Nebraska school bans candy canes for 'J' shape
Principal bans candy canes claiming the 'J' shape stands for 'Jesus.'
An elementary school principal dubbed 'The Grinch' after she allegedly banned Christmas and holiday decorations in school will reportedly not return to her old job.
Jennifer Sinclair, principal of Manchester Elementary in Omaha, Nebraska, was placed on administrative leave in December, the Elkhorn School District confirmed to Fox News at the time.
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District superintendent Bary Habrock reportedly told parents and school staff on Monday that Sinclair will not be returning to the school. He said he supports Sinclair "as a leader and educator," and noted she will finish the remainder of the school year in a curriculum position.
Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, told Fox News the principal directly violated the school board's policy, which may have been what crossed the line.
"I think the school board took appropriate action to reverse the principal's censorship of Christmas," Staver said. "I wish the principal well in her future. We never asked for her removal, we just wanted a reversal and we're pleased that the school board did reverse the policy of the principal."
Sinclair sent a memo in November with guidelines as to what is considered appropriate for classroom decorations and assignments during the holiday season.
Teachers were reportedly told that generic winter-themed items, such as sledding and scarves, and the "Frozen" character Olaf, were acceptable.
Decorations that included Santa, Christmas trees, reindeer, green and red colored items and even candy canes, however, were not acceptable for the elementary school.
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The candy canes, according to KETV, were prohibited because Sinclair deemed them to have religious significance. "Historically, the shape is a 'J' for Jesus. The red is for the blood of Christ, and the white is a symbol of his resurrection," she reportedly wrote. "This would also include different colored candy canes."
Elkhorn schools told Fox News that "the memo does not reflect the policy of Elkhorn Public Schools regarding holiday symbols in the school."
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The district's policy states that "Christmas trees, Santa Claus and Easter eggs and bunnies are considered to be secular, seasonal symbols and may be displayed as teaching aids provided they do not disrupt the instructional program for students."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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