Father Christmas was banned from visiting children at a Head Start Program… because Santa, and all he stands for, offended one Muslim family.
For the past four years Dennis Jackson donned his beard and red-and-white costume to bring presents and joy to little ones at the St Peter's Head Start Program in Minnesota.
Mr Jackson loves donating his time and the sweets he gives out to spread Christmas cheer to the little ones who attend this program for low-income families.
But after a Somali family complained, the Head Start Program stopped him coming this year.
Mr Jackson said it was over-reaching cultural sensitivity that led to being told his annual appearances must cease at St Peter Head Start classes for young children.
He was told 'it was against some people’s wishes' for him to make the half-hour appearances for two classes, for about three dozen children.
'It kind of burnt me up,' he said.
According to the regional coordinator for the Minnesota Valley Action Council, Chris Marben, at least one Muslim family complained of his visit.
When asked about banishing Father Christmas, Mrs Marben said: 'We have Somali families in the program. We're respecting the wishes of families in the program.'
She added: ‘Part of our challenge in Head Start is providing an environment where young children from many different cultures can all feel comfortable.'
Mrs Marden didn’t say how many objections were made, but said that program parents are surveyed annually to gauge their feelings toward holiday observances in classes.
She indicated that more than one objection would be sufficient to waive an observance.
Mr Jackson said he’s played Father Christmas with children from other cultures before and they were fully comfortable with him - it’s just, in his opinion, some parents who are being unreasonable.
'They’re not respecting the majority,' he said. 'My feeling is [objecting parents] can take their kids out of class for half an hour and let the other kids enjoy it. They should sacrifice, not rule.'
