Member-only story
The recent debacle in Dedham, Massachusetts may teach all parties in other disputes to gather pertinent information to properly address issues. That simple message may prevent another PR disaster.
You may know the story: Some administrators of the Dedham, Massachusetts Endicott Library made a decision not to put up a Christmas tree this year. This led to a public dispute ending up as a segment on Fox News and other media. Finally, there was a contentious public meeting over the change. The Christmas trees are now in both the libraries of the town while the town of Dedham Human Rights Commission and the municipality itself issued statements.
Some people feel offended by a Christmas tree and others feel to nix it from standard seasonal decorations is a sign of war on Christmas.
People then fight over an inanimate object loaded with symbolism and sentimentality that goes beyond the simple message of the Christian Holiday of Christmas.
First, study the situation
This is not a first amendment case because it is a state issue and the Bill of Rights applies only on the federal level. Congress cannot make any law respecting the establishment of religion nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof. This incident happened well below the radar of Washington in…
