The University of Tennessee is the new Missouri

LINK /

•Holiday parties and celebrations should celebrate and build upon workplace relationships and team morale with no emphasis on religion or culture. Ensure your holiday party is not a Christmas party in disguise.
•Consider having a New Year’s party and include décor and food from multiple religions and cultures. Use it as an opportunity to reinvigorate individuals for the new year’s goals and priorities.
•Supervisors and managers should not endorse, or be perceived as endorsing, religion generally or a specific religion.
•If an individual chooses not to participate in a holiday party or celebration, do not pressure the person to participate. Participation should be voluntary.
•If a potluck-style party or celebration is planned, encourage employees to bring food items that reflect their personal religions, cultures, and celebrations. Use this as an opportunity for individuals to share what they brought and why it is meaningful to them.
•If sending holiday cards to campus and community partners, send a non-denominational card or token of your gratitude.
•Holiday parties and celebrations should not play games with religious and cultural themes–for example, “Dreidel” or “Secret Santa.” If you want to exchange gifts, then refer to it in a general way, such as a practical joke gift exchange or secret gift exchange.
•Décor selection should be general, not specific to any religion or culture. Identify specific dates when décor can be put up and when it must come down.
•Refreshment selection should be general, not specific to any religion or culture. Like what? No egg nog? No boiled custard?
•Most importantly, celebrate your religious and cultural holidays in ways that are respectful and inclusive of our students, your colleagues, and our university.