Christmas tree scrapped by Massachusetts library after people were 'uncomfortable' last year

UPDATE: After backlash, the Dedham Library Director announced that the Christmas trees will be in fact going up this year.

"At the Dedham Public Library we do our best to respect the wide variety of viewpoints and beliefs in our community, including those who choose to celebrate Christmas and other winter holidays. To be clear, there is no ban on Christmas at the Dedham library," a statement from the director read.

"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. As we finish decorating for this holiday season, Christmas trees will be put up at both locations."

"Moving forward, we will continue to review decorations and displays to ensure they are welcoming, enriching, and reflective of our entire community. I want to acknowledge the members of the public that have reached out to share their views. We will work to improve communication with community members and invite them to attend Board of Library Trustee meetings where open dialogue can take place."

"The library is proud of the strides we’ve taken to provide programs and services that support and represent the community and we remain dedicated to providing those services," the statement concluded.

The original story follows below.

The Dedham Public Library in Massachusetts, a location that visibly celebrates Juneteenth and Pride week, has declined to put up Christmas Tree this year, against the location's tradition, because some visitors said the tree made them "uncomfortable" the previous year. The library claimed that the social media post criticizing the lack of Christmas tree "has threatened the safety and well-being of community members and staff."

According to local news, the branch's manager, Lisa Desmond, posted about the change on Facebook, saying: "I have never posted a negative post on Facebook. That is, until now. I found out today that my beautiful library will not have its Christmas tree this year. Zero explanation. When I asked, I was told 'people' were made uncomfortable last year looking at it."

Desmond continued, "I’m sorry WHAT? In my 28 years at the Dedham Public Library, I have never heard a negative comment."

The Daily Mail reports that the location celebrates Juneteenth and Pride but has excised mention of Christmas in December activities that were present as recent as last year, such as "Holiday Movie Mornings," "Holiday Happenings: Crafts for Kids," and "Holly Jolly Storytime." The library has used the phrase "the spirit of giving" to refer to Christmas time, and declines to use the word Christmas.

The Town of Dedham posted on Facebook that Desmond's post tore at the "fabric of our community" and was causing bullying. 

"The Town of Dedham stands in support of all town staff targeted by recent online threats and bullying," the library wrote. "Unfortunately, a recent social media post expressing disagreement with the decision to display a holiday tree at the library has quickly evolved into a polarized environment and has led to the harassment and bullying of town employees. We wholeheartedly condemn this behavior as it tears at the fabric of our community and cannot be tolerated.

"We continue to encourage constructive conversations and healthy debates, but because of social media and outside sources, what could have been something of legitimate discourse turned neighbor against neighbor, and has threatened the safety and well-being of community members and staff. This behavior is not a true reflection of our commitment to lead with kindness and civility. 

"We have heard from our residents regarding this decision and acknowledge the varied perspectives. Community engagement and public discussion are cornerstones of local government, and we encourage our residents to participate in our open, constructive dialogues. We look forward to continued public engagement and for the opportunities to work together toward shared goals. We strive to make Dedham a welcoming community for all, where differences can be celebrated, not attacked."

Desmond posted a picture of a child placing ornaments on the tree and wrote, "My Muslim friends and Western Indian friends invite me to their celebrations. What an amazing gift. This picture was taken at my beautiful library last Christmas. My cousin and family were visiting from NC and surprised me with a visit. This is a photo of their son putting an ornament on the tree."

"This boy will surely remember his visit to his cousin's library," she said. "Those who know me know I lead with positive intentions. I’m not feeling very positive today. Please bring Christmas back to my beautiful library. And always lead with love in your heart. Rant over."

On Facebook many expressed support for Desmond with comments such as, "Put up the Christmas tree! Who the heck is offended by a beautiful tree," "Put the tree up!!!" and "That is terrible and makes me very sad and upset. I hope they change their mind. I don't blame you for being mad and upset."

One user did write, "I hope you get fired."

Radio host Todd Starnes commented and said, "Maybe they should have told the perpetually-offended snowflakes that it was a 'Gay Pride Tree'."

A meeting has been scheduled by the Board Library of Trustees on December 13 to discuss whether a tree should be put up at the location.