Vice Chancellor for Administration

Throughout each year a number of cultural and religious days of significance are observed. These are times of celebration, while being mindful and respectful of the rich and diverse cultures that are ever present in our workplace and the communities we serve.

Holiday Decorations

In accordance with U.S. Supreme Court jurisprudence (see County of Allegheny v. ACLU Greater Pittsburgh Chapter, 492 U.S. 573 (1989), the display of holiday décor is dependent upon whether the space is public or whether it is a shared or private workspace. In all cases, holiday decorations should be respectful and sensitive of employees and the public.

Examples of seasonal decorations (permissible) include, but are not limited to: snowflakes, snowpeople, winter scenes, ribbon, flowers, greenery, tinsel, garland, bells, trees, candy canes, Santa, eggs, animals, flags, etc.

Examples of decorations with religious content (permissible in private workspace only) include but are not limited to: nativity scene, menorah, Star of David, Star and Crescent, Cross or Crucifix, etc.

*Common Spaces

Any place with physical or visual access by the public that is not a private workspace. (Examples: lobbies, reception areas, front counters, departmental conference rooms, community centers, classrooms, exteriors of buildings and facilities, etc.). 

1. 1. Holiday decorations may not be placed in such a way as to inhibit access to, or departure from the space or building. Holiday decorations shall be made of materials and placed in locations such that they do not violate applicable life and fire safety codes or create a hazard.
   2. University event spaces reserved by student organizations or external clients may utilize seasonal decorations with or without religious content during the duration of their event reservation.
   3. Generally, holiday decorations are not displayed in common space lobbies of University buildings. The decision to display holiday decorations in all other common spaces rests with the appropriate department/unit supervisor.

Shared Work Space

Workspaces used or shared by employees. This includes desks in job-share arrangements. (Examples: copy rooms, break rooms, bathrooms, conference rooms, classrooms, shared offices/desks or other shared work areas, etc.)

Private Work Space

Workspace assigned exclusively to one employee, such as a cubicle, desk or office that may be seen occasionally by coworkers, clients, customers, or the general public.

Student Decorations

Student organizations may place or exhibit holiday materials (season and with religious content) on approved posting areas or reserved event spaces. 

Students in University Housing should refer to the Living Guide for information about decorating their campus living spaces.

Best Practices for Holiday Decorations in the Workplace

• Department/unit supervisors should identify a period of time before and after holidays for decorations to be put up and taken down.
• Ensure that all holiday activities are voluntary. This includes parties, luncheons and gift exchanges, etc. Every employee may not feel comfortable participating in the activities, or their religious beliefs may prevent their participation.
• Employees who choose not to participate in holiday activities should not be viewed or treated negatively.
• If time is given during the workday to participate in employer-sponsored celebrations, those who choose not to participate on account of religious beliefs should be given the same time off.
• Supervisors, Managers should not be perceived as endorsing or supporting religion generally or one religion over another.
• Employers cannot require an employee to decorate for any holiday or Holiday Season.

Safety

The most important consideration regarding holiday decorations is SAFETY.  Every year during the holiday season, fires claim lives and destroy property. Many of these fires could have been prevented. Please carefully consider the flammability and potential fire risk of any decorations you may use. 

Common Questions

Please contact the Office of Human Resources at 618-650-2190. 

What if certain religious accommodations are not covered by this policy?
Please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination (EOA) at eoa-titleix@siue.edu.

Additional questions about this policy may be directed to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration at vcadministration@siue.edu

Adapted from:
https://www.missouristate.edu/Policy/Chapter11/Op11_09_HolidayDecorationsGuidelines.htm

https://adminfinance.umw.edu/hr/employee-relations/respectful-workplace-policies/holiday-decorations-and-celebrations-guidelines-for-a-respectful-and-inclusive-workplace/

https://oae.uic.edu/holiday-decorations/