The Salem Veterans Affair Medical Center in Virginia issued a statement to employees this week saying Christmas trees and specific religious holiday decor would not be allowed in public office spaces this year, but later rolled back on the directive.
Trees, with or without ornaments "have been deemed to promote the Christian religion and will not be permitted in any public areas," the letter said. The public should not be under the impression that the government sponsors or endorses one religion over the other, it said.
However on Friday, after meeting with office employees over backlash to the letter, management agreed to let Christmas decorations go up after all.
Nearly 150 people attended the closed meeting, according to WSLS. A Christmas tree will be placed in the office and will be accompanied by Kwanzaa and Hanukkah synbols, the report said.
Winter decor was allowed under the original directive, and personal work spaces unseen to the public could be used to observe religious-specific holiday themes and decorations.
"Religious expression will be permitted as long as it does not interfere with carrying out official duties and responsibilities," the letter said.
Holiday music at desks is permitted with a supervisor's permission, but users are encouraged to be cognizant of volume and music's ability to travel in office spaces.
Earlier this year, Starbucks announced its holiday cups will be a solid red color to observe holiday inclusiveness. In previous years, the coffee shop chain's cups featured Christmas-specific designs and logos.
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