Colleges and universities all across America have published their laundry lists of Christmas, that is, holiday do’s and don’ts and while they encourage plenty of “greenery,” “bells,” and “snowmen,” they’ll have no nativity scenes or any menorahs. That's because diversity and inclusion -- of everything but those things -- are all that matters.
(It’s a wonder a misogynistic icon like “snowmen” got a pass, but consistency is hard when running a safe-space utopia.)
Here’s what Missouri State deemed “inappropriate for use in holiday decorations in common areas:”
- The Nativity Scene
- A Cross or Crucifixion
- A Menorah
- The Star of David
- The Star and Crescent
- Drawings of Jesus or Mohammed
- The Bible or Koran
Here are Missouri State’s “appropriate for use in common areas:”
- Flowers
- Greenery
- Wreaths
- Christmas Trees
- Bells
- Snowmen
- Winter Scenes
- Santa Claus
- Animals
- Ribbon
- Flags
- Pilgrims
As for personal spaces, cubicles or offices, “faculty and staff may place holiday material (secular or sacred).”
Oregon State University’s Office of Equity and Inclusion issued its “Guidelines for Holiday Decorations.” Besides the usual citation of separation of church and state, OSU believes there are several other “inclusive strategies” that will ensure staff and students aren’t offended by religious imagery:
- Focus decorations on the winter season by using images that are not associated with religious traditions (e.g., snowflakes, snow sculptures, sleds). Remember that images that seem neutral to some may be experienced as religious by others with different traditions.
- Ensure that decorations reflect and are respectful of the diversity of our university community.
- Consider how efforts support and enhance the university’s values and goals with regard to equity, inclusion, and diversity.
One New York state university, The College at Brockport, published its “Culturally Sensitive Holiday Decorations” to ensure no person is marginalized. While images of Santa Claus are typically allowed at most universities, Brockport prefers naming gift exchanges “grab bag” instead of “Secret Santa.” No explanation as to why is given. It also encourages keeping the decorations “general and non-specific to any religion.”
“The holiday season should be considered an opportunity to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness by acknowledging multiple cultural traditions rather than imposing or endorsing a single tradition on everyone,” the guide states.
Rowan University in New Jersey is also boycotting religious imagery with its guideline stating:
[O]ffice decorations are allowed as long as no obvious, religious icons are displayed. Examples of religious decorations include but are not limited to nativity sets, menorahs, etc. Examples of allowable seasonal decorations include but are not limited to greenery, Santa, lights, snowflakes, snowmen, candy canes, etc. Please be advised that any and all participation in holiday activities is voluntary and non participation should not be viewed negatively.
Christmas is a perfect time to be a snowflake. Happy PC Holidays, everyone.
H/T Campus Reform
