PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
Keep the Tree of Knowledge a part of the Chester County Courthouse Winter Display!
  1. Signatures
    411 out of 5,000
    Petitioning
    1. Commissioner (+ 3 others)
      Petitioning
      close
      • Commissioner (Carol Aichele)
      • Commissioner (Terence Farrell)
      • Commissioner (Kathi Cozzone)
      • Editor, Daily Local News (Andy Hachadorian)
  2. Created By
    Carol Roper
    West Chester, PA
About this Petition Petition Letter

UPDATED:   The Chester County Commissioners passed Resolution 58-10 which places control of the winter holiday in their hands only.

They get to decide what display goes up. We are trying to prove that the Tree of Knowledge (displayed since 2007) has become an anticipated symbol of the nontheist community. We want the Commissioners to know that there is no other symbol that can exemplify nontheism as lovely as the Tree of Knowledge. 

This week, the Commissioners are discussing which displays of the past are in or out. We, naturally, suspect that the Tree of Knowledge is "out." We are trying everything, however, to convince the Commissioners that the Tree of Knowledge should be included as a valuable symbol of education, diversity and Constitutional freedoms.

PREVIOUS TEXT OF THIS PETITION: The Chester County Commissioners have elected to write a resolution which effectively bans non-theist groups from creating a holiday display. This is a direct response to the Freethought society's TREE of KNOWLEDGE display which has shared the courthouse lawn with a Christian creche and a Jewish Menorah, as well as a standardly decorated county Christmas tree.  They plan to vote on this resolution tomorrow, November 18, 2010, at their meeting which convenes at 10 am.

We petition the County Commissioners to REJECT resolution 58-10 and keep the holiday display opportunities as they now are, open to ALL citizens of all beliefs.

 

Recent Signatures

Please include the Tree of Knowledge in the holiday display

Dear Commissioners;

We the undersigned strongly request that you include the Freethought TREE of KNOWLEDGE in the Winter Holiday Display at the Chester County Courthouse, and continue to make it accessible to the citizens and organizations of Chester County, along with other displays such as the Christian creche and the Jewish Menorah, the Friends' display, and the new Tribute to our Veterans. These displays have been a draw for many in the region, and have thus increased local business revenues as well.

We again strongly request that you please continue to permit ALL local groups who are interested in doing so the opportunity to erect a display which reflects their beliefs, and together reflect the diversity of this great county; and specifically, that the Freethought TREE OF KNOWLEDGE be included in this display.

We ask that you continue the tradition of making Chester County a true beacon of tolerance and acceptance for all to the entire United States of America, thus proudly reflecting our diversity by our inclusion of all groups represented in our area.

[Your name]

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