Mother Files Lawsuit Against NYC Public School to Allow Nativity Scene

By Vivian P.

Queens, N.Y. – A mother, Andrea Skoros, filed a lawsuit against the New York City public school after learning her children's school's policy of banning the display of nativity scenes; her case complains unlawful discrimination as the public schools allow displays of Jewish menorah and Islamic crescent star.

Andrea Skoros filed the lawsuit, along with her two sons Nicholas and Christo, Brooklyn federal Judge Charles Sifton held a procedural conference on the suit and is waiting for the ban to be overturned.

"I felt that it is only fair if they are going to display the menorah, which is a religious symbol, that they also display the Nativity scene instead of just snowmen and stockings and Christmas trees," said Skoros according to news reports.

While school officials wouldn’t discuss the lawsuit, legal briefs filed by the city's Department of Education said it has "drawn an appropriate line between secular holiday decorations and those that are purely religious."

The officials argue the nativity scene violates a “constitutional separation of church and state” since it explicitly depicts Jesus as the son of God. Officials chose a Christmas tree to symbolize the holiday, but Skoros claims this a double standard.

"It's a matter of what's fair," Skoros said. "The menorah is a religious symbol. The crescent star is a religious symbol. A Christmas tree is not."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo