The university issued document issued to all employees at the college does promote “winter celebration.” The old pagan Yuletide might be OK or a picture of Odin perhaps. Better yet, a solstice celebration with white-robed druids posing at Stonehenge. That probably won’t be offensive to the PC department of the Officers of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. Then again Thor should have some equal opportunity kudos. Anything but Christmas for UMinn. And you thought Santa Claus was a compromise.
LifeNews, Steven Ertelt: The handout, which originated from the school’s Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action office, encouraged recipients “to recognize the holidays in ways that are respectful of the diversity of the University community.” It listed several specific examples of “religious iconography” that were inappropriate for gatherings and displays at this time of year such as: “Santa Claus, Angels, Christmas trees, Star of Bethlehem, Dreidels, Nativity scene, Bows/wrapped gifts, Menorah, Bells, Doves, Red and Green or Blue and White/Silver decoration themes (red and green are representative of the Christian tradition as blue and white/silver are for Jewish Hanukkah that is also celebrated at this time of year).”
“Consider neutral-themed parties such as a ‘winter celebration,’” the document read. “Decorations, music, and food should be general and not specific to any one religion.”
Employees and student workers were also encouraged to report a bias incident of “inappropriate religious celebrations in their work or learning environment” to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. More here.
