Texas AG: School Violated 'Merry Christmas Law' By Removing Biblical Verse From 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' Poster

KILLEEN, Texas (CBS/AP) — The Texas attorney general is criticizing a school district's decision to remove a portion of a poster that included a biblical verse recited by Linus in the film "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

Attorney General Ken Paxton says in a statement that the so-called Merry Christmas law adopted in 2013 means schools can't "silence a biblical reference to Christmas."

"A display relating to a traditional winter celebration may not include a message that encourages adherence to a particular religious belief," a section of the law reads.

He said Thursday that the decision by officials in Killeen, north of Austin, is an "attack on religious liberty."

"We passed that law precisely because of this type of discrimination against people of faith," Paxton said.

But CBS affiliate KWTX-TV reports that Killeen administrators argue school employees are not permitted to impose their personal beliefs on students.

"Our employees are free to celebrate the Christmas and holiday season in the manner of their choosing. However, employees are not permitted to impose their personal beliefs on students," the district told KWTX in a statement.

A Patterson Middle School staffer had placed the poster on a school door. It shows Linus and the line from the gospel of Luke: "unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior."

According to KWTX, Texas Values claims the principal told the staffer that the drawing could remain, but the biblical quote needed to be removed.

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