Supreme Court tosses case of ‘Christian candy cane’
An appeal over Christmas sweets turned bitter in June when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the so-called “Christian candy cane” case. The case from Texas has become a rallying point for conservative Christians concerned about free religious expression in public schools and students’ ability to distribute religious literature.
The case, Morgan v. Swanson, kicked off nine years ago in the Plano Independent School District when principals prevented self-described evangelical students from distributing religious literature on school grounds.
In one instance, principal Lynn Swanson stopped third-grader Jonathan Morgan from distributing a Christian-themed bookmark at a winter break party. The boy wanted to hand out candy cane–shaped pens along with a card purporting to explain the holiday treat’s Christian roots.
