Letters to the Editor
DEMOCRATIC P-TA?
I want to share an experience with all, and especially with members of P-TA organizations.
I was a member of the P-TA boards of grade and junior high school, and for many years on the Omaha P-TA Council. To me it was a privileged duty to serve and learn much from this great organization. Its aim is to work-out countless problems for the benefit of all children, on city, state and national levels. Parents of all denominations contribute and benefit from it.
It is good to belong to a group where all members are given the opportunity to express their feelings. Decisions are made on the basis of majority rule, which is our democratic order. My vote was sometimes on one side or the other, but it was counted.
I served for many years, but I always felt uneasy at the December meetings which were strongly accentuated with Christmas and religious songs. Though these songs are lovely in the Christian Ritual, they have no place in this organization. I felt it was wrong and made my feelings known.
In a letter to the Council President, I requested that a special committee meeting be called involving the president and various committee chairmen to dicuss the matter, and to air the various views.
My request was not granted. I thought it might be discussed at the next board meeting, but it was not. After the meeting I was told that I should not have taken that stand.
I was dismayed and disappointed about the manner the problem was handled, but still hoped it could be worked out in the future.
When the school year ended, I was asked to serve again on the P-TA Council and I accepted. A few days later, I was called again and told that the Christmas songs would again be in the December program, and that I was not to object either verbally or by letter.
I was stunned by the undemocratic ultimatum, and the condition I had to accept to stay on the Council. Of course, I did not accept it.
I have high esteem for this organization and share this experience so that those who are involved with P-TA may use their efforts to correct this unfair and undemocratic situation.
Mrs. I. (Miriam) Grossman
