NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The University of Tennessee’s chancellor said Tuesday that an online memo advising employees to make sure holiday celebrations aren’t Christmas parties in disguise was “poorly worded” and that oversight of the website where it was posted has been reassigned.
The memo “Best Practices for Inclusive Holiday Celebrations in the Workplace” was posted on the school’s website by its Office for Diversity and Inclusion. It said parties should celebrate workplace relationships with no emphasis on religion or culture.
UT Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek said in a statement issued Tuesday that the original web posting has been replaced, “recognizing that the original version did not accurately convey our message.”
The new posting reads, in part: “While it is inevitable that differences will appear in how people celebrate, everyone is encouraged to have an open mind and to approach every situation with sensitivity. We are grateful for the many people, cultures, and viewpoints of our campus. We should celebrate our diversity not only during the holidays but also on every day of the year.”
Cheek said he met with Diversity and Inclusion Vice Chancellor Rickey Hall to discuss broad goals for diversity and inclusion, as well as determine actions to “prevent further poorly worded communications that deter from making progress on the goals.”