Workers in a Wisconsin city have been instructed to refrain from using traditional red and green Christmas decorations in public places this holiday season.
Melissa Cantarero Weiss, the deputy city administrator for Wauwatosa, said in an email to city workers that Wauwatosa should have a "welcoming and inclusive environment" during the holiday season. The city is located just west of Milwaukee.
This means no religious decorations and no red or green colors, which are often associated with Christmas.
"Currently, Christmas decorations are prevalent throughout public counters at City Hall and perhaps other buildings as well. While we understand the significance of this holiday for many, it is important to recognize that not all Wauwatosa employees, residents, or business owners celebrate Christmas," Weiss wrote in an email, which was published by Wisconsin Right Now.
To foster a more equitable and inclusive community, Weiss said workers should "refrain from using religious decorations or solely associated with Christmas (such as red and green colors) when decorating public spaces within city buildings."
"Instead, we encourage you to opt for more neutral and inclusive decorations that celebrate the season without favoring any particular faith belief system," the email said.
Weiss went on to include three suggestions for decorating that are approved by the city:
1. Winter wonderland — snowflakes, snow people, and other non-religious symbols associated with winter.
2. Lights and greenery — festive lighting and greenery can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere without specific religious connotations.
3. Northern lights — draw inspiration from the aurora borealis and incorporate colors like blue, green. and purple.
"By embracing inclusive decorating practices, we can reinforce our commitment to being a more equitable and welcoming place for all people who live in Wauwatosa, do business in our community, and our co-workers," Weiss said. "We can make Wauwatosa's municipal buildings a place that everyone can feel comfortable visiting throughout the holiday season."
Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride said the policy was not imposed by himself nor City Council, but he doesn't have a problem with it.
"I inquired and learned that in years past, some people who have come to City Hall in November and December have complained about religious displays," he said in a statement to Wisconsin Right Now. "Our administrators are trying to minimize the discomfort that some people feel when they come to a government building for governmental, non-religious functions."