Holiday Guidelines

These guidelines apply to all staff, students, faculty, and campus organizations.

Holiday Decorations

Decorations in a Public Workspace

Items which are secular in nature are allowed in public workspaces. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Santa Claus
  • Winter Scenes
  • Candy Canes
  • Animals

Items which may be viewed as religious-in-nature are only allowed if: they are a part of a larger display which is deemed secular in purpose; or if they are displayed for the purpose of celebrating diversity, pluralism and freedom AND are displayed with at least one other religious symbol from a different religion. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Nativity Scenes
  • Menorahs
  • The Star and Crescent
  • Drawings of Jesus or Mohammed
  • A Cross

Decorations within a Private Space

Generally, an individual may decorate a private workspace as they choose. However, an individual MAY NOT decorate their private space with items which may be religious in nature if:

  • The individual is a supervisor and the decoration may be seen as an endorsement of a particular religion.
  • The space is within view of the public or clients.
  • The space is shared with another individual.

If you have any questions, please email Employee and Labor Relations at uoelr@uoregon.edu