by Anna Raboin
Co Editor-in-Chief

Political correctness is hotly debated all the time, especially during the holidays. News stories constantly report on faculty and students getting in trouble for saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. Is it wrong to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Kwanza” instead of “Happy Holidays?”

Obviously there are extremes on both sides of the debate. Some force their beliefs on others, getting offended by and correcting holiday greetings that don’t pertain to their religion. Others claim that it is not right at all to greet an individual with a religion-specific phrase, or for a teacher to give Christmas cookies to a class.

Should this be the new all-inclusive holiday greeting?

The majority of Westford students celebrate Christmas, Diwali and Hanukkah. But many of these students still celebrate parts of Christmas. Some exchange presents with friends and family, have Christmas trees, or have family parties on Christmas day. If cultures are so combined, are students still careful about their greetings?

Both seniors Ben Roberts and Anant Verma say that they believe only a small majority of people get offended at a wrong holiday greeting, but using the phrase “Happy Holidays” is a safe bet.

“Happy Holidays just encompasses everything,” says Verma.

Apparently the all-inclusive greetings have worked at Westford Academy.

Dean Bob Ware says that administration has not experienced any complaints from teachers, students, or parents who have been offended by a holiday greeting. “Westford Academy works hard to make sure that we celebrate holidays with respect to everyone’s religious beliefs,” Ware explains.

Ware also states that the administration is in possession of a calendar marking all significant holidays of the religions represented by Westford Academy students. This enables the school to accommodate any and all celebrations.

So, to include all possibilities, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Diwali, Happy Kwanza, Merry Christmas, and Happy Festivus to all.