We are writing as concerned and angry grandparents. The principal at our grandchildren’s elementary school in Ohio denied them a visit by Santa Claus at this year’s Christmas party last week.

During a meeting of the parent volunteers planning this year’s Christmas party…did I dare say Christmas, a thousand pardons, it was for a holiday party... our son mentioned that he had a Santa Claus suit. The volunteer parents were delighted that he could be the surprise Santa during the party.

But then our son made the mistake of calling the school to inform the principal he would be appearing at the school to be buzzed in dressed as Santa Claus. He thought it was the prudent thing to call ahead considering recent events in Connecticut.

Well, all bah humbug broke out. The principal almost choked on her cup of political correctness. Our son was told he couldn’t wear a Santa Claus suit in the school - that it was inappropriate because it was a “holiday” party. To further demonstrate how much political correctness has invaded our school systems, the principal made the asinine suggestion that perhaps our son could wear a snowflake suit instead.  I would challenge the principal to give any kind of plausible rationale as to how Santa could in any way be construed as a religious figure or inappropriate presence at a holiday (Christmas) party.

Unless things have changed that drastically, certainly all children, whether Black, White, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist or whatever, like Santa Claus. Has anyone ever heard of an incidence when Santa Claus read a verse from the Bible before he gave kids their present? The principal in the name of political correctness deprived our grandchildren and their classmates a tradition others have enjoyed for many years past. Political correctness is ruining this country.

Steve and Linda Hyle
Lewes