To celebrate the winter holiday season safely and in accordance with the university's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, employees are reminded of university guidelines:

In displaying holiday decorations, employees are expected to be sensitive to the rights and views of others and of the university's commitment to creating an inclusive environment. The visibility of decorations to other employees and their resulting impact upon the workplace should be considered by employees who place them in the workplace.

Holiday decorations are expected to be done in a manner that is not disruptive and does not interfere with work performance or use university resources without approval. Such displays must also conform to the fire/safety and decorative guidelines contained in the 2010 Winter Holiday Display Poster at http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/file/Fire_Safety/Winter_Holiday_Display_Poster.pdf. This poster should be displayed in a prominent place.

Consider the timing and needs of staff when scheduling events year-round by consulting the Cornell United Religious Work calendar listing of major religious holidays at: http://www.curw.cornell.edu/holidays1011.html.

Throughout the year, such religious restrictions as fasting (with implications for event planning), observances (absences from work) and other practices may warrant religious workplace accommodations or event planning modifications. Guidelines for handling requests for religious accommodations can be found at: http://hr.cornell.edu/policies/all/religious_accommodation_faqs.html.

More comprehensive information on event safety, including use of decorations and candles, can be found at the Environmental Health and Safety website at http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/general_safety/event_safety.cfm.

Questions or concerns about fire safety information can be directed to Christine Stallmann, director of Environmental Health and Safety, at 255-8200 or by e-mail at ehsdir@cornell.edu. For diversity issues in the workplace concerning winter holiday displays, contact Alan Mittman, director of Workforce Policy and Labor Relations, at 255-6866 or by e-mail at alm63@cornell.edu.