Tasmanian politicians have been urged to stay away from public schools for the remainder of the year, unless the premier apologises for his comments surrounding changes to a school celebration.
Teachers and staff in the Australian Education Union voted in favour of the ban after discussing the harm caused by Premier Jeremy Rockliff's ongoing "public campaign" against a Northern Tasmanian school.
Liberal MP Felix Ellis, speaking to the media, didn't directly address the unions action.
He said teachers should support Christmas, despite the event still offering popular Christmas past times, and the school in question only planning to change the name, not the event.
The name of the holiday event was changed from Christmas on the Hill to End-of-year Extravaganza to ensure students from different cultures and backgrounds felt included.
Premier Rockliff took to social media saying "whatever your religion or heritage, Christmas is part of our way of life".
"Acknowledging other traditions is important. But that's not a reason to abandon our own," he said.
AEU Tasmania Branch president David Genford said the union's decision urging politicians to stay away from Tasmanian schools came from upset members.
"This comes from our members, this suggestion wasn't from staffers. They are angry because they are not allowed to express their opinion," he said.
"They're banned from criticising the government on social media. I have had emails saying the AEU should keep holding the premier accountable.
"That's why we have this action in place."
Mr Genford said the premier's commentary on social media caused a "wave of abuse" to the school and its acting principal.
"Without having the full facts, or following proper process, the premier wrote an ill-informed letter naming the school and its female principal, then leaked it to the media, sparking a wave of abuse," he said.
"At the first sign of trouble, Premier Rockliff and his Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, could have acknowledged the error and apologised, lowering the temperature and protecting staff and families from further abuse."
When asked if Mr Genford thought it was fair that all members of parliament were called not to enter schools, despite not being involved, he stood his ground.
"We think it's fair and we want schools or focus on teaching and learning. The Premier has shown he's not willing to apologise," Mr Genford said.
"This school has become victim of the collateral damage of politicians wanting to use what is happening in schools against them."
Is this enforceable?
Mr Genford said the education minister signed off on all school visits.
"They have to give 14 days notice and all things go through the Education Minister, the minister needs to approve all school visits," he said.
"Politicians aren't allowed to simply drop into schools."
Mr Ellis said he supported Christmas and wanted schools to celebrate it.
"I will leave the union's decision to itself, I think it's disappointing that Labor are backing the union against the premier's strong and supportive stand for Tasmanian children celebrating Christmas," he said.
"Our teachers and the union should be supporting Christmas."