Editor:

While I respect Tony Poulson as a fraternal brother and political artist, I must disagree with the comic on Dec. 6 that depicted Christmas being ruined by the ACLU. The issue at hand is one of equality, which I believe to be at the heart of most actions labeled “politically correct.”

Many significant religious holidays fall in the period of time set aside by government administration and educational institutions as Winter Break. Use of Christmas alone by public institutions is inappropriate to the extent that it gives special recognition to a specific set of religious beliefs. That is not to say that individuals or private institutions (e.g., BYU) are not in a position to continue the use of Christmas-related labels. In this case, I think the ACLU is working hard for our ability to operate on an equal playing field in daily public life, which I don’t believe stems from any anti-Christian desires.

Further, I would argue that, if nothing else, acts of political correctness, like calling it “Winter Break” instead of Christmas, or spelling Woman “Womyn,” opens up dialogue and requires individuals to think in a way that might be new and uncomfortable-something we can always use more of, especially in establishments of higher education.

Kim M. Bowman Jr.

Senior, Gender Studies/Political Science