If you have been following the story about the controversy over the word "Christmas" at Southwestern Oklahoma University, you will be interested in this update. We are very pleased to report that the controversy has ended!

We are also very pleased with the recent statement issued by John Hays, the President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University regarding Christmas and Christmas decorations at the university. We appreciate Mr. Hays' willingness to resolve this matter. The statement is now posted on the university web site, and says:

The university does not have a policy that bans the word ‘Christmas’ or Christmas decorations. However, some supervisors or department leaders within the university who meant well may have suggested to employees that caution should be taken with respect to Christmas decorations. One thing led to another and the result was that some mistakenly assumed that Christmas decorations were being prohibited. I have met with various staff members to get to the bottom of the matter and have also had a pleasant discussion with Mathew Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel.

The university will continue to follow the law and to respect the right of all its staff members. Thus, the university will follow the general principles set forth by the courts regarding the display of religious symbols and/or Nativity scenes.... In applying this general rule to the university, if a Nativity or other religious symbol of the holiday is displayed in a place open to the general public (like a lobby), the university will include secular symbols of the holiday in the nearby context. However, employees in their cubicles or offices may personally display a Nativity or other religious symbol of the holiday. In such a setting, the employee need not include secular symbols of the holiday. Employees have always been and continue to be permitted to greet one another with the greeting ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays.’ The decision is up to each employee.

Mr. Hays deserves a big "Thank You and Merry Christmas." His leadership in resolving the controversy over Christmas and the general guidelines he has set forth regarding the appropriate way a state school and its employees may acknowledge and celebrate Christmas serves as an example for others to follow. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and it can and should be enjoyed by all.

Read our News Release on this issue.

Thank you for your emails and support for those who uncovered the situation.

We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. 

If you are looking to make an end-of-year charitable donation, please consider Liberty Counsel.