As we approach the winter holiday season, many local governments face difficult questions about the placement of religious displays on public property.  Acknowledging the December holidays is important in many communities.  However, the inclusion of religious content in December holiday displays on public property can be divisive, and it can also raise Constitutional questions.  It is important for government officials to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of all members of our religiously diverse communities.

The Anti-Defamation League has expertise in this issue, and our Denver office can be a resource to you when you are planning your city’s displays. For a more detailed explanation of these issues, and for a comprehensive set of resources, please visit ADL’s newly updated December Dilemma web page: http://www.adl.org/civil-rights/religious-freedom/c/december-dilemma-teaching-about-religious-holidays.html.

We hope that this material will be helpful to you as you plan your holiday displays. Please feel free to contact us as you make these challenging decisions at 303-830-7177.