It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas—except at the University of Maine.
UMaine faculty and staff received an email on Monday forbidding candy canes, Christmas trees, Christmas presents, Menorahs, and wreaths in public areas on campus.
“Just wanted to remind everyone that Aux Services is not to decorate any public areas with Christmas or any other religious themed decorations,” the email states. “Winter holiday decorations are fine but we need to not display any decoration that could be perceived as religious.”
“This includes xmas trees, wreaths, xmas presents, menorahs, candy canes, etc.,” the email says. “What is allowed our [sic] winter themes, snowmen, plain trees without presents underneath, decorative lights, but not on trees, snow flakes, [sic] etc.”
According to a statement from the university, UMaine’s holiday decorations decision was made to better promote diversity on campus.
“[T]he university makes every effort to ensure that all members – students, employees, alumni and the public–feel included and welcome on campus. Decorations on the UMaine campus are therefore reflective of the diversity found in our community,” UMaine said in a statement obtained by Campus Reform.