(AP) – Residents of a southwest Missouri senior housing complex say
they are upset after managers told them to remove all religious Christmas
decorations from shared areas.
The owners of the Mercy Village complex in Joplin say they are following
federal rules that prohibit discrimination.
The Joplin Globe reports residents had decorated a second-floor public area
with their own decorations, including a Nativity scene. Residents had done
similar decorating for many years.
After managers directed that the religious symbols be removed, residents took
them down. But they also started a petition drive, asking to be allowed to
celebrate Christmas as they see fit.
Dee Wampler, a Springfield attorney, met recently with the residents and says
he doesn’t anticipate any litigation over the matter.
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