Multiracial Committee to Review Holiday Celebration Policy

Is it okay for staff members to put menorahs on their desks? For students to display a crèche scene in a residence hall living room? Must prayer mats be used only in a student's private room? These are the kinds of issues the Committee on the Multiracial Community will be discussing as it reviews the College's policy on holiday celebrations.

Members of the College community are invited to comment on the current policy, which was adopted in 1991-92. Copies of the policy are available from Rosemary Jackson, senior administrative assistant to the ombudsperson (rjackson, x2413). That policy gives guidelines for decoration of private areas (such as a staff member's office or a student's room) and public areas (such as office reception areas and the exteriors of residence halls). The policy's guiding principle is that only nonreligious decorations (such as holiday wreaths in December) are appropriate in public areas, but that individuals may decorate private spaces for any holiday. Groups are asked to take into account the personal preferences of their members when planning celebrations.

Feedback and suggestions for revisions to this policy should be sent by November 1 to a committee member. They are: Rochelle Calhoun, Nicole Fabricant '99, Carrie Field '97, John Grayson, Ruth Bass Green, Sohail Hashmi, Madelaine Marquez, John Rapoport, Linda Samano, Larry Schipull, Maryann Snell, Lisa Werkmeister-Rozas, and Lisa Tessman.

The committee will also hold an open forum on the policy, and will consider community comments before making recommendations to the senior staff. Any policy changes will be implemented in the 1997-98 academic year.