Snowflakes! Wisconsin City Council sparks outrage after instructing staff to avoid red and green decorations in public buildings and replace religious decorations with ‘snow people’

A Wisconsin city council has issued guidelines to its employees suggesting they avoid using red and green decorations in public areas to mark the Christmas holidays, for fear of causing offence.

The bizarre suggestion was made by Deputy City Manager Melissa Cantarero Weiss in an email led by City Manager James Archambo.

In the email, Weiss encouraged city workers to adopt “inclusive decorating practices” in how Wauwatosa municipal buildings are decorated during the holidays, including using more “winter-themed” decorations such as snowflakes or “snow people.”

The message specifically encourages employees to choose more “neutral and inclusive” decorations.

Historically, there has never been a problem with Christmas decorations in the city of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. In the photo the city’s celebration in 2018

Deputy City Manager Melissa Cantarero Weiss encouraged city workers to embrace “inclusive decorating practices.” Weiss’ email directive was approved by James Archambo, city administrator for the city of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

In the email, Weiss encouraged city workers to adopt “inclusive decorating practices.”

Weiss explained how, with the holidays approaching, she and Archambo wanted people to reflect on their commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The email noted that current Christmas decorations, especially red and green colors, are already widespread in the public counters of City Hall and possibly in other buildings as well.

But Weiss believes changing the color of holiday lights will help foster a more equitable and inclusive community.

Weiss emphasized the importance of being thoughtful when designing public spaces during the season.

Departments have also been asked not to use religious decorations related solely to Christmas.

The city of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin recommends mulching Christmas trees after the holidays

Weiss said red and green Christmas decorations are already common in public buildings like City Hall, so she encourages a more “neutral” approach

X users mock the holiday decorating advice from city officials in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Some don’t seem to heed the advice. A local Wauwatosa home is pictured

City workers are encouraged to create Northern Lights displays, incorporating colors such as blue, green and purple, to further promote inclusivity and respect.

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 encouraged to create Northern Lights displays, incorporating colors such as blue, green and purple, to further promote inclusivity and respect.

Those who received the email have suggested that the city’s priorities have become skewed, especially when more pressing matters are at hand.

Some drew comparisons to the White House, which has much more relaxed guidelines but still houses the National Christmas Tree that symbolizes the holidays across traditions and religions.