A.D.L. Opposes Observances of Religious Holidays in Public Schools

The national governing body of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith concluded its four-day meeting here today with the adoption of a policy declaring that "sectarian observances of religious holidays have no place in the public schools, "and that it therefore "opposes such practices."

At the same time, the ADL called for "sound educational leadership and wise community judgment to maintain the distinction in the public school between religious observances and programs devoted to the cultural aspects of these holidays. Such care will protect the rights of every child for whose well-being school and community jointly have responsibility." The policy statement stressed that programs related to religious holidays may "reflect the social and cultural character of a community and its people" but stressed that they should "involve no religious commitment."

In his annual report to the ADL, Benjamin R. Epstein, its national director, pointed out that "current frictions in many communities over the issue unfortunately tend to undermine good inter group relations which has been developing in this country over the years." He noted that at this time of the year especially community tensions rise over facets of such religious observances.

He cited the recent conflicts in New Hyde Park, N. Y., Ossining, N. Y., Valley Stream, L. I., Delaware Township, N.J., Ross, California, and Chicago, Ill., where various religious groups "who for years have lived side by side in complete amity have suddenly been torn apart by the conflict." Among the issues discussed by the committee were those of Bible reading and distribution, the subject of prayer in the public schools, the question of released and dismissed time, and religious holiday observances.

The policy statement concluded: "ADL is firmly committed to the values of religion and its centrality in Jewish life. It is equally committed to the principle of separation of church and state as the means whereby the religious freedom of all Americans is safeguarded. ADL, therefore believes that religious training is an essential aspect of every child’s education, that it is the prerogative and responsibility of the home and synagogue or church to provide that education, and that it is unwise to burden the public schools with this responsibility. Sound policy dictates that all Americans join in strengthening their religious institutions to perform this religious educational work successfully and that they avoid involving the power of the state through the public schools to achieve that goal."