I cannot believe that people/parents would complain about a tradition! Everything these days has to be politically correct, if not then everyone complains, what is this world coming to when children cannot put on a Christmas play?!

And we wonder why our children cannot learn tolerance, it begins at home!

Would you two mind if they performed a traditional Muslim play and just a Muslim play?

It really is too bad that " a few complaints" shuts down what has been a tradition... as previous comments reflect ti truly is a shame.

Merry Christmas everyone,
Donna

Why do people take it as complaints and not a preference for equal representation. The demographic of this country is vastly changing and very quickly, based on the fundamental root of the ideals this country was but upon. You can either accept diversity and understand what it involves or continue to want and believe that only you and your beliefs and traditions are just and should be the only ones celebrated.
Would you not speak up if you moved to a foreign country and a community of other Christians wanted Christmas represented in the schools?

Spot on Janine!

So what about the people who are now complaining that not having the play is ridiculous?? Why aren't our voices heard? If you are offended by the songs in they play, don't attend the play, and have your child removed from the play! I think this is absurd! I don't care what religion you are, a song is not going against what you believe in, it's a song. It's kids joining together to sing about peace and love really. Bad move completely! Maybe next year you can talk with St. Mary's and have the play at that school!!

Well that's the ultimate show of disrespect and ignorance. If you don't like our religious Christmas play in a state taxpayer funded school then just go away. There continues to be a lack of seperation of church and state. Religion creeped its way in when it never should have. It's lazy and close minded to just state, accept my religious beliefs and traditions in an environment where they don't belong in the first place or go home.

I'm sorry if a holiday program offends you but if you can't tolerate it, too darn bad. STAY HOME - KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME. Period. I'm not catholic or Muslin or Buddhist but I would never expect these institutions to change for me. I think too many parents today just need to STAY OUT OF THEIR CHILDRENS LIVES. What about majority rules? That is the way of life or don't you get it? Not every wins every game - there are winners and losers in every aspect of life - I think the complainers need a good dose of reality or their children will have such a struggle in life with the disappointments that are inevitable.

The Mansfield School Committee are spineless cowards. Stand up to these attention addicted secular INTOLERANT liberals!!!

Anyone with information or the names of the six people that complained about the content of the Robinson School Christmas play resulting in its cancellation please email me at kitchensinktv@gmail.com

So we are changing the rules for a few and then hear that it's because 'we' are intolerant? We've truly lost our way. This decision opens the door for more intolerance. Does anyone think that moving this to become a Martin Luther King themed play isn't going to build resentment rather than embrace diversity? Why not do two plays? I liken this move to what's happened in RI and Boston: calling the Christmas Tree a Holiday Tree, but continuing to call the Menorah a Menorah. HUH? We live in a country that promotes religious freedom and from my experience these Christmas Plays have adapted and acknowledged other religions (Kwanza, Hannukah) and it's wonderful. With this decision, the reverse has happened. It's sad to think of the message it sends to our children. God Bless us Everyone! Merry Christmas!

"It is the right as well as the duty of all men in society, PUBLICLY, and at STATED SEASONS to worship the Supreme Being, the great Creator and Preserver of the universe. And no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping God in the manner and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession or sentiments; provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or obstruct others in their religious worship." Article II Massachusetts State Constitution
Someone please ask the school committee to show where the public peace is disturbed or where someone is obstructed from their own practice!

Ok its a draw!! We have more for it than the 6 against, On with the PLAY!!!
Merry Christmas one and all! :)

I am so sick and tired of this " politically correct " crap! People need to GROW UP. There is no peace when you disagree with what others believe. I don't believe in the writings of the Koran but I will not disrespect those who do, nor will i stop my children from knowing what it is, so why disrespect me and my beleifs? I will answer that with it is because those 6 to 12 individuals are in fact the ignorant ones and the schools are just encouraging ignorance by giving in, rather than teaching tolerance and acceptance.

Peace on earth. Goodwill to all men. Send an email to the school committe if you do not agree with this decision. Merry Christmas to all.

I once read "We are a country built on immigration.", and over the years with that things have changed. A lot has happened in the world since my grade school days here in Mansfield that has left people bitter against other nationalities, other religious beliefs ect.. Such a shame our kids today cannot learn to accept one another despite differences in culture, religion and opinions. I do not agree with stopping this tradition, at least something will be planned for later in the year. I am sure lots of people will complain about that as well.. but if it is a temporary change, and next year something can reconvene that seems less religious to those who are feeling left out, or do not want their kids to learn about others cultures and traditions, then get a group together and come up with something more fitting. Being more open and understanding to other cultures holidays has already started, when I was in grade school we did not get all the Jewish holidays off.. Times are changing, and if we all respected each other and learned a little more, maybe we could reside together without so much bitterness.. instead of blasting the issues and going after one culture or another, why not try coming up with a solution that will make everyone more satisfied, incorporate other things.. maybe if there was not so much ignorance about other ways we would be able to, but this full out blasting bitterness teaches nothing worth being proud of.

Again, teaching the WRONG life-lesson! You don't cancel something when people complain...their complaining doesn't make them right...complaining is the grown-up word for whining. Lets use the Robinson rule... was this play a Double D? (Dangerous or Destructive)

If you don't like something that's going on in the school put on your big boy/girl pants and get involved. It is a holiday play...if you have a holiday you want represented, that is valid ground for a discussion. Canceling it solves nothing.

Oh, and go look up what separation of church and state ACTUALLY means. It's freed of OF religion...not FROM - and I don't practice any religion at all. My argument is based in my valuing freedom.

So disappointing that this is their plan of action. People complain about things all the time. I guarantee more people are complaining about it being canceling than the six who made it an issue it in the first place and NONE of the grown ups involved put the kids first when they made this decision.

Last year, about 6 people complained about religious songs in the school play. Then SOMEONE decided to cancel the whole friggin thing. Why are we mad at "PC liberals" about this? If the school really wanted to have something for christmas, they could have called the ACLU and asked "how do we throw a christmas show without getting sued?" Who cancels the whole show? and then claims that doing a MLK themed show is actually a one-to-one substitute? its like they're TRYING to make it into a fox news war on christmas story. I highly doubt any of the 6 who complained actually asked for the entire show to be cancelled and replaced with a MLK show.

Are you even serious Ken? You're asking for names from people now? And grandstanding about YOUR beliefs to attack anothers? That all sounds very mature. I'm surprised they let that comment be posted, to me it even sounds a little threatening.
You've also seemed to kinda gloss over the first amenent and go right for the one that backs up your argument.

"All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness"

If you can defend tour beliefs why can't somebody stand up for theirs? God has no place in any public school, not your god not any religions god. There are plenty of privately funded schools and programs where any religious theory may be taught. You also seem to think the Constitution is a dead document with no basis for interpretation when in reality I bet 99% of the public have lived or experienced federal or state interpretations of laws over the years. It's easy to pluck any old passage from any document or law and attempt to apply it to your beliefs, what's ultimately difficult for most people is to have any understanding or tolerance for anybody different from themselves.

Oh and also what would you do if you had my name? Post it for all to see? Attempt to humiliate me? It's sad you cannot discuss your opinions or hear others without demanding names of others who may be different than yourself. This is an online discussion not an official town meeting.

What is wrong with people??? So a few idiotic people have way tooo much free time on their hands...Maybe they should be worried about bigger problems like the Fiscal Cliff. If the music in the school's play bothers you then DON"T GO!!! Christmas has been around a long time and will continue to be...so DEAL with it!!!

Can we try to elevate this discussion to what's germain (sp?) and stop with the personalization and verbal attacks? We are intelligent and need to remember what the focus is please. Thank you.

Ken its sad if you're a grown man and acting so incredibly immature, I feel sorry for you.

This decisions was screwed up, and this article is screwed up. "oh there's no xmas this year because of THOOOOOSE people. we're just gonna do a MLK show because of THOOOOOOSE people". Really? You guys are buying this crap?? Its not that complicated- don't use taxpayer money to sing about jesus and god. You want green and red decorations and reindeer and santa and all that? Great! Thats just tradition not religion. But "Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Was born upon this day. To save us all from Satan's pow'r" is definitely religion. Its not constitutional to spend tax money promoting religion. If you want your kids to hear songs about jesus god and satan, go to a church.

You don't have a right to place your beliefs higher than others - as stated in your earlier quote, we are all equal. Since no one is forcing you or your family to participate in the play your rights are not being infringed upon. Those who believed the play should be canceled, however, have now imposed their beliefs upon others and, thus, infringed upon the rights of hundreds of people.The decision has eliminated the option to not participate AND the option to participate.

Second, It is absolutely incorrect that God has no place in public schools. Public schools can't FORCE religion upon you. God and Religion are not mutually exclusive terms. Eliminating God from education is impossible simple because human culture and history are far too wrapped up in religion to eliminate it from education. Just to name a few, American History, World History, Sociology, Art History, Music History, Literature, Theology, Economics...and so on. ALL have been influenced by religion or God.

Jjax I agree with some of the things you have to say, however I do see the difference between studies that gods or religions may have influenced and celebrating specific religions exclusively.

I would like to amend the last sentence in my previous post... " influenced by religion or God"... I can't comment on God's involvement or lack of in the prior mentioned topics in education...he/she and I don't actually discuss such things. I should have left it at religion and/or belief in (a) God(s). - there...I think that's better.

I have been informed that the principals were afraid of a law suit. I think that's a threat? Freedom?

JJ did not cancel a holiday play! They have never had a holiday "play". It is a choral concert and instead of being held during the craziness of December when everyone is so busy it is being held in January around Martin Luther King Jr. Day. What a wonderful new tradition to have a concert about peace, friendship, making the world a better place...

I dunno. I'm not black, and I'm not male, so maybe it's not right of me to recognize MLK at all. Can we have a Lucille Ball Day, plz? That's someone who's a lot more like me than these Jesus or MLK fellows.

Not AS valid of an argument...but this is from my own personal experience. Having performed in concerts for over 30 years I can honestly say I have never felt I was "celebrating a religion" while singing a song. Though I did feel I was celebrating while singing. I have also never performed in a "holiday" concert that was exclusive to one religion. Since schools have moved even further from a Christianity focused celebration in the years since I performed in a school concert, and, using my concert experience as a baseline for where schools were "back in the day", I can't imagine educators today are LESS inclusive then they were 30 years ago.

I have also performed several Latin masses over the years, both during and outside the holiday season...still didn't feel the "religion" in it and, even if I had...Vivaldi or Mozart's music should not be shelved simply because, at the time it was written, God was who/what one wrote about. Religion was also the subject of most commissioned based work of the time. They shouldn't be thrown away simply because it is about God or worship or religion. That would be ignorant.

What has now been accomplished by canceling the concert? I'm being serious. What is the gain for the kids? What has been gain by those who complained? What has been gained by those who now find themselves with no vote in the matter? What has been lost?

1) I am disgusted by the bullying! We, whether we like it or not, have the right to free speech and, if we are to create a better world for our children, that means respecting one another's beliefs without demeaning them!
2). Studies show that children who do not engage in rich discussions regarding race, ethnicity, religion and alternate lifestyles with their families grow up thinking we are "hiding" things and become less tolerant adults. Mind you, I believe tolerance is a low benchmark and we should strive to live "with" one another vs. merely "alongside" them.
3) Raised Methodist, I attended a catholic private college where religion was a requirement to graduate! Part of the joy of education (and the success) is being able to tailor your education to your interests and I opted for a course in Buddhism! Don't force your children to live your life! You both will lose!
4) Lastly, as the mother of three young boys in this school system, I was proud to have my son point out a dradle to me yesterday. It was at that moment that I had hope that we were raising a bunch of kids that embraced what so many other races, cultures and religions have to offer which is clearly something we have not been able to pull off to date! Don't stifle that by making kids feel they need to make choices! Embrace their love of learning and appreciate what happens next! Fear should never motivate our children, knowledge should.

Was it a Christmas play or a Christian play?

I figured most school districts in this country would've figured out by now to make holiday festivities diverse enough in content to please their constituents. You can blame parents all you want, but if you want to avoid a backlash from either side of the debate, you have to be prepared for this sort of thing.

Still, it is too bad to have the proceedings delayed altogether, and rather surprising, too. I grew up in a very liberal Jewish community, and the high school holiday concert still proudly concludes with the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah.

Of course, the Messiah is high art. I don't know if the Mansfield Elementary holiday play is wont to the same level of scrutiny.

I agree with Tina, bullying is alive because we model it for our kids everyday! Show your kids how to embrace diversity! That is not by cutting out the celebrations that exist but by adding to them! I am more than happy to help any disgruntled party develop another celebration for their personal/religous/racial interests just like I support the march of dimes and the red cross! Don't cut! Add!!!! Children will benefit and, it's not about us, it's about them!!!

Well put Joey

I think what the Christians and other Christmas celebrating citizens can do is stop donating to the school projects, stop patronizing businesses who feel this way and vote out School Committee members who won't stand up for a long standing American tradition which has tremendous meaning of importance to the majority there.

That's the spirit, the heck with the other 30%, lets just do away with them. Very diverse and reasonable idea.

Okay, I have read through all these comments and just want to scream! First, Jj has never had a Christmas play! It is a winter choral concert and it has always had a very diverse repertoire. Second, I know for a fact as a parent a note went home in September telling all the parents who's children would be joining chorus that the concert would be held in January! So never did a Christmas " play" get canceled this year it was always going to be a winter choral concert.
Next, chorus has always had 2 concerts and the Jj has a 5th grade musical as well. None of this has been canceled. Maybe the month has changed but isn't the point that the kids are learning about music and get to experience performing? Why should the topic matter? We all have tons of opportunities to find, share, and create traditions for our families. Music for the sake of music. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful program here in Mansfield. How is this not itself what is best for the children and our community?

True I can't remember ever a 'play', but the music, sure. The Patch has an article about the thing never being 'cancelled', and that moving the date has to do with having more time to prepare. I'm not sure I believe that, and think it has more to do with separating any notion of religion from the school concert. If that's the case, i don't necessarily have a problem with it- but please just call it what it is.

Instead of complaining, why not contribute? If you feel your religion or traditions are not represented, suggest a solution instead of complaining and deepening the rifts and the intolerance. Try collaborating with the concert organizers, who are working hard to provide a fun way to encourage children to take pride in their extracurricular musical talents, and make sure your culture and traditions are included. Don't just complain. Complaining is easy. I challenge these six complainers to do something constructive to encourage tolerance.

So if the performance was always supposed to be in January, what about the comments from the school committee member? There obviously were complaints. Personally if I didn't want my child to hear/sing about a particular topic I would just remove them. I don't think a traditional concert should be rearranged for the sake of a handful. What's going to happen when these students get to the high school? Will that program have to be cancelled or "rescheduled' too? It's just wrong.

You should never have to remove a child from a public school based on a religious or ideological celebration. It either needs to be expanded to represent anyone who wants their traditions included or eliminated.

Maybe the school committee is misinformed? I mean they are talking about a play in the artical above and it's a concert. As I said above, I know for a fact the concert was always set for January this year. Maybe the complaints have been coming for years and the school listened to the concerns and decided to try something new. Would all of the people above be happier if the concert was in December with no holiday related songs? I know many teachers fromother districts and that is how they do it! A winter concert, because the cultural make up of all our cities and towns are changing.

Why do the kids singing in January change the point that they prepared for a beautiful concert?

That isn't the point as far as I'm concerned. My point is that if the concert was changed from last year due to the complaints of a few people who don't tolerate the songs of another culture that is just wrong.

It's very simple. These "complainers" need to do something positive with their time and energy. Get a job, volunteer at the food pantry or go the the gym. They have too much time on their hands and need to whine about something to fill a void in their lives. Do something constructive instead of picking on 10 year old kids.

Non complainer, you have said the only thing needed to be said! Agree 100%. Not sure they are I king on the kids but the school in general.

This is getting beyond absurd. I do not believe I am an intolerant person, by any means, but I find it very hard to believe that an annual celebration like this would "offend" individuals to the point where the views of the extreme minority would affect the happiness and seasonal good spirit of the overwhelming majority. I highly doubt they were re-enacting Christ's crucifixion, or something else as equally controversial. People should re-evaluate their points of contention; if there is sentiment that a January MLK concert is appropriate (and why not - seems like a good idea), perhaps the complainers should step forward to volunteer and produce the additional show for all of us to enjoy too - but I see no need to cancel the prior efforts and replace it with an alternative without due cause. And if volunteering their time is not practical, lobbying the disctrict/legislature to set aside funds/efforts would be a much better spend of their time and effort, as opposed to their complaints demanding cancellation of the previous, good-natured tradition.

I am only now realizing why, apart from the fact that I have a full time job, I have not posted my opinions on line previously! This no longer seems to be about the "concert" or the children! This is about a handful of people trying to ruin it for those that are trying to do something nice and about another handful of people who don't know how to play in the sandbox with others! I am appalled that spelling is being critiqued, people have had their intelligence questioned and words like idiot have been bandied around. Shame on those of you that have sullied the topic for your own personal interests and good luck!

After sending 2 kids through this school, it is clear to me that JJ really stands for "Just a Joke".

I am extremely disappointed that the voices of 6 people are overruling an entire community, if that is, in fact, what happened. I personally don't believe that the "squeaky wheel should get the grease". We pay the salaries of professional, dedicated, and knowledgeable educators to run our schools. For years they believed that this concert was beneficial to the student. The reason seem numerous to me. The fact that they coward to 6 complaints and forgot about all the benefits that were awarded to our students from this concert is what truly disappoints me. I don't blame the 6 complainers at all. They have every right to complain about whatever they feel strongly about. I trust our administrators to put the best interests of our students in the forefront and I don't believe that is what happened in this case. Completely disappointing.

This is bogus. I'm calling the school to complain about MLK day. I hate MLK , just like these whack job athiests hate Christmas. Yet the nuts who make the decisions will cower to the liberal ideology.

What the hell is wrong with you people? The concert was NOT canceled!!!! It was never going to be held in December. The kids and their families have known since September that the concert would be held in January. It also has nothing to do with MLK. My child is in chorus! I have seen the music. I am thrilled they will participate in a concert. Who cares when? The school is not here to foster my traditions. That is my job as a parent. You are all so bitter, you talk about tolerance and then bash people about mis spelling words etc. be joyful the Mansfield has a wonderful program and as a district are lucky to have a thriving arts program when so many other districts no longer have these programs at all. Get your facts straight before whining about it please!

Anyone who is upset or mad or telling "complainers" to go back to their "caves" really needs to open their eyes and show some respect, their opinions and views are just as important and valid as yours, that is the basis of this country, we have the freedom to disagree. Who is anyone to believe they are 100% in the right? these are all opinions, this is debate, its been going on for thousands of years.
Also for whoever said we pay the salaries of the teachers and asked if radio stations stop playing Christmas music, this is a public school, just because a parent pays into it does not mean their beliefs or a teachers are right. i pay into these schools and i have no kids, my money is worth just as much as yours.I have no idea why or when religion of any kind crept in. Theories and history of religion is one thing, but no religion should be celebrated in any public school. If you desperately want your kids in a holiday or religious play, send them to private school, start an acting club, this is not the role of a public school. And last I checked most radio stations are privately held, they can play whatever they want, there is no comparison.

Last night's Christmas Concert at the Mansfield High School was excellent.

I hope they are allowed to continue with the tradition of putting on this performance in the coming years. As a former member of the Concert Choir, this concert( and back then also involved a play) was the highlight of the Christmas season for me and countless others.

So much bickering. "Much a do about Nothing" If you want to put on a play, then do it on your front lawn. If you go to a public school; you miss out on religion. If you want to live in the United States you need follow the law. Where is this complaining getting you? Free speech. Just be thankful you can talk like this, because someday you will be band from the Internet and will not be able to voice your thoughts without being accused of talking against the government. You all best get on with your lives and support your friends and family because you could loose it in a split second. I'm going to worship God while I still can.