Wauwatosa, Wisconsin’s Deputy City Administrator Melissa Cantarero Weiss sent an email in November to city employees asking them to refrain from decorating public spaces with Christmas decorations for the sake of inclusivity, according to multiple reports.
Weiss suggested employees should replace red and green colored “religious decorations” with purple and blue decorations to “reflect our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment,” according to Wisconsin Right Now. The top official reportedly noted City Administrator James Archambo concurred with her directions.
“I don’t see the logic behind it,” Wauwatosa resident Gena Gurariy said, according to Fox 6 Now. “I don’t see the link between red and green and any theological concept or principle.”
Breaking news: Wisconsin town to ban Christmas decor as it is offensive to islamists and democrats. https://t.co/X5EOXA7Zpg
— Patrick Dennis (@jpb3733) November 12, 2023
Liberty Counsel, a religious freedom organization, claimed the Christmas decoration suggestions were an “unconstitutional ban,” according to a demand letter sent to the Archambo on Nov. 13.
“The Christmas decoration ban by the City of Wauwatosa is Orwellian and unconstitutional. The city’s ban is exclusive, not ‘inclusive,’” Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said. “The ban excludes all those who celebrate that Christmas holiday consistent with their faith.”
A flurry of email responses to Weiss’ suggestions questioned why regulating Christmas decorations were a priority in Wauwatosa, noting the White House is not as strict, according to Wisconsin Right Now. Snowflakes, northern lights displays and “snow people” — the non-offensive term Weiss used for snowmen — were suggested as alternatives to traditional holiday symbols. (RELATED: Christmas Product Pulled From Shelves After Appearing To Celebrate Terrorist Group)
“Everyone’s trying to be really sensitive about things and I don’t think this is one of those things you have to be sensitive about,” Shorewood resident Charles Lawler said, per Fox 6 Now.
The city claimed Tuesday the suggestions in the email were not meant to be a requirement, Fox 6 Now reported. Individual workspaces, homes and businesses may be decorated for Christmas at their owner’s discretion.