In a move that has sparked discussion, children from National Guard families participating in the 2024 “Celebrating National Guard Families” art event at the White House are being instructed not to include religious symbols or themes in their Easter egg designs. This directive, part of the guidelines for an art contest that coincides with the White House’s Easter traditions, including the annual Easter Egg Roll, specifies that submissions must steer clear of any religious, politically partisan, or questionable content.
The art contest, which aims to honor the experiences of National Guard families across the United States and its territories, invites young participants to create designs that reflect their personal stories and the theme of celebrating military families. These designs, once selected, are to be painted on real hen eggs by skilled artists and then showcased at the White House during the Easter and Passover season.
The guidance for the contest emphasizes inclusivity and respect, barring designs that could be interpreted as promoting bigotry, racism, hatred, harm, or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age. This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to celebrating the diversity and contributions of military families in a manner that is welcoming and respectful to all.
This year’s Easter Egg Roll at the White House, announced to continue under the “EGGucation” theme introduced by First Lady Jill Biden, transforms the South Lawn and Ellipse into a vibrant educational community. The event, expected to draw an estimated 40,000 participants, features a range of activities designed to engage children in learning and physical wellness, including a Physical “EGGucation” Zone, Reading Nook, and various entertainment acts focused on educational themes.
The American Egg Board, representing America’s egg farmers, has collaborated with the White House for 47 years on this event, adhering to strict guidelines that ensure the promotion of eggs without favoring any particular commodity, type of egg, or discriminating on the basis of race, religion, sex, or sexual identity. This policy reflects a broader commitment to neutrality and inclusivity in public celebrations, highlighting the importance of focusing on the positive promotion of eggs and the joy they bring to the Easter season.