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Wausau School District Unveils New Policy On Religious Music

Proposed Changes Come In Wake Of Christmas Concert Controversy

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Members of the Wausau School Board discuss the recommendations of its music policy advisory committee at a meeting Monday. Photo: Glen Moberg/WPR

The Wausau School District proposed a new policy on religious music at a Monday night meeting, following a dispute over a Christmas concert that drew national attention last year.

In October, hundreds of people turned out to protest at a special meeting of the Wausau School Board, angry at perceived restrictions on the amount of religious music that could be performed at an upcoming concert.

On Monday night, the atmosphere was subdued and respectful, as a music advisory committee unveiled a new policy designed to prevent future conflicts.

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“We were not there to adjudicate the past,” said Don Hermanson, one of 20 members on the committee comprised of parents, teachers, administrators, students and clergy. “We were here to find a road for a more agreeable and progressive future.”

Hermanson says the committee’s road map neither restricts nor promotes religion.

“The First Amendment, although it has a lot of gray areas, is very clear,” said Hermanson. “We can’t promote one or the other but that doesn’t mean we have to totally shy away from religion.”

The proposed policy would respect different traditions, select music based on educational value rather than religious context, and avoid the excessive use of religious symbols.

“I think it’s the old canard,” said Rabbi Dan Danson, one of four clergymen on the committee. “When you sit people down together, and you take some time for them listen to each other, and you especially put on the table what are the shared concerns that you have – mostly you find that there’s far more pulling you together than pushing you apart.”

The committee approved the policy recommendations unanimously. School board members asked them to report back with procedures for implementation.