Woke Wisconsin council sparks outrage after instructing staff to avoid red and green decorations in public buildings and replacing religious ornaments with ‘snow people’
- A Wisconsin city council has issued guidelines to its employees, advising against the use of red and green decorations in public spaces during the holiday season
- Deputy City Administrator Melissa Cantarero Weiss encouraged city workers to embrace ‘inclusive decorating practices’ and use blue, green, and purple instead
- Weiss said there was already a prevalence of red and green Christmas decorations, in public buildings such as at City Hall
A city council in Wisconsin has issued guidelines to its employees suggesting they do not use red and green decorations in public spaces to mark the Christmas holidays for fear of causing offense.
The bizarre suggestion was put forward by Deputy City Administrator Melissa Cantarero Weiss in an email under the instruction of City Administrator James Archambo.
In the email Weiss encouraged city workers to adopt ‘inclusive decorating practices’ in how Wauwatosa’s municipal buildings are decorated over the holiday season including using more ‘winter themed’ decorations such as snowflakes or ‘snow people’.
The message specifically urges employees to choose more ‘neutral and inclusive’ decorations.
Weiss explained how with the approaching holiday season, she and Archambo wanted people to contemplate their commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The email noted how current Christmas decorations, especially red and green colors, are already widespread in public counters at City Hall and potentially other buildings.
But Weiss believes changing the color of holiday lights will help fostering a more equitable and inclusive community.
Weiss emphasized the importance of being considerate in decorating public spaces during the season.
Departments have also been asked to not use religious decorations associated solely with Christmas.
Instead, Weiss suggests using non-religious symbols associated with winter, such as snowflakes, ‘snow people,’ lights, and greenery without specific religious connotations.
City workers are being encouraged to create displays featuring the northern lights, incorporating colors like blue, green, and purple in order to further promote inclusivity and respect.
Those receiving the email have suggested the city’s priorities have gone askew, particularly when there are more pressing matters at hand.
Some made comparisons to the White House which has far more relaxed guidelines yet hosts the National Christmas Tree emblematic of the holidays across all traditions and religions.