City workers in the small Wisconsin town of Wauwatosa have been issued guidelines on how to decorate for the holidays without offending people.
The bizarre suggestions were included in an email by Deputy City Administrator Melissa Cantarero Weiss and were approved under the instruction of City Administrator James Archambo.
Chief among the celebratory advice is to not use red and green decorations in public spaces to mark the Christmas holidays for fear of causing offense.
In the email, first reported by Wisconsin Right Now, Weiss encouraged city workers to adopt ‘inclusive decorating practices’ in how Wauwatosa’s municipal buildings are decorated over the holiday season including using more ‘winter themed’ decorations such as snowflakes or ‘snow people’.
The message specifically urges employees working in the city of 48,000 people, to choose more ‘neutral and inclusive’ decorations.
A Wisconsin city council has issued guidelines to its employees, advising against the use of red and green decorations in public spaces in the Christmas holidays
In the past, there has never been a problem with Christmas decorations in the city of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Pictured, the town’s celebration seen in 2018
Deputy City Administrator Melissa Cantarero Weiss encouraged city workers to embrace ‘inclusive decorating practices’. Weiss’ email directive was approved by City of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin City Administrator James Archambo
In the email Weiss encouraged city workers to adopt ‘inclusive decorating practices’
The email noted how current Christmas decorations, especially red and green colors, are already widespread in public counters at City Hall and potentially other buildings.
Weiss explained how with the approaching holiday season, she and Archambo wanted people to contemplate their commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The email noted how current Christmas decorations, especially red and green colors, are already widespread in public counters at City Hall and potentially other buildings.
But Weiss believes changing the color of holiday lights will help fostering a more equitable and inclusive community.
Weiss emphasized the importance of being considerate in decorating public spaces during the season.
Departments have also been asked to not use religious decorations associated solely with Christmas.
The City of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin advises mulching Christmas trees after the holidays
Weiss said there was already a prevalence of red and green Christmas decorations, in public buildings such as at City Hall so she is encouraging a more ‘neutral’ approach
X users mocked the holiday decorating advice from city officials in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
A local Wauwatosa home is pictured, fully embracing Christmas as their holiday theme
City workers are being encouraged to create displays featuring the northern lights, incorporating colors like blue, green, and purple in order to further promote inclusivity and respect.
Instead, Weiss suggests using non-religious symbols associated with winter, such as snowflakes, ‘snow people,’ lights, and greenery without specific religious connotations.
City workers are being encouraged to create displays featuring the northern lights, incorporating colors like blue, green, and purple in order to further promote inclusivity and respect.
Those receiving the email have suggested the city’s priorities have gone askew, particularly when there are more pressing matters at hand.
Some made comparisons to the White House which has far more relaxed guidelines yet hosts the National Christmas Tree emblematic of the holidays across all traditions and religions.