A Dedham, Massachusetts, public library rescinded its decision not to display a Christmas tree following community outcry, the library announced Monday.
Staff at the library located in a Boston suburb decided to bring back the Christmas decorations following an alleged onrush of online comments criticizing the library’s controversial conclusion to not have a Christmas tree, the library director said in a news statement. A tree will reportedly be displayed at the main branch and the Endicott Branch Library in Dedham, Fox News reported.
“The initial decision to not display a Christmas tree was the result of an ongoing review of all our holiday decorations and displays that started back in the spring. What has played out on social media is unfortunate, it has negatively impacted our staff and the community, and frankly, transpired before we had even started our seasonal decorating,” the release read. “As we finish decorating for this holiday season, Christmas trees will be put up at both locations.”
Massachusetts library will display Christmas trees after controversy turned ‘neighbor against neighbor’ https://t.co/5bCFENoA81
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Staff were at first reportedly told that they were not allowed to display the Christmas trees, claiming that they make people “uncomfortable,” WPRI reported. Endicott Branch supervisor Lisa Desmond criticized the town’s decision, citing that they reportedly had a menorah in the town hall. “I say let’s celebrate every tradition, religion, whatever it is that sparks joy for you and your family,” Desmond posted on social media, according to the outlet. (RELATED: Mayor Faces Backlash After He Appears To Pose Partly Nude In Christmas Charity Calendar)
Following her post, Desmond purportedly faced a wave of online criticism that she was flaunting her “Christian privilege,” she told WBZ, according to Fox.