Dear John,

The December holiday season is a time when public school children of minority faiths can feel like outsiders. Acknowledging the season without excluding those children or endorsing a particular religious point of view is a yearly challenge for public schools and teachers.

It’s called the December Dilemma, and ADL is an expert on the topic.

Given the ongoing pandemic concerns, we want to help you create welcoming and inclusive learning environments for all your students — whether they are attending school and school-related events in person or virtually. Here are ADL resources to support you this holiday season:

• A webinar for educators on navigating the December holidays in public schools
• Winter Holiday Resources: December Dilemma or Teaching Opportunity?
• Answers to common legal questions about the December Dilemma

For more information about making the December holidays a more inclusive time in your school, please contact your local ADL office via our directory.

Thank you for making schoolchildren of all faiths and cultural backgrounds feel welcome!

Have a wonderful holiday season.

Thank you,

Steven M. Freeman

Vice President, Civil Rights

ADL