Disguised Christmas Parties

Tennessee (WDEF) – Some Tennessee lawmakers are demanding the resignation of the Chancellor of UT Knoxville.

An online memo this week from the University’s Office of Diversity advised employees to make sure their holiday celebrations aren’t Christmas parties "in disguise".

That riled some powerful state leaders.

Republican Senator Mike Bell from Riceville said, "I was speechless."

State Senator Mike Bell was not only speechless; he was furious.

He said, "I could not believe that, especially in light of what’s gone on the last couple of years with the debacle over sex week, then foolishness over the gender neutral pronouns that they put out a few months ago, and now we have the same group telling us that. Managers and supervisors shouldn’t display any endorsement of religion."

Legislators say they had assurances this year from UT Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy Cheek that everything coming out of the Office of Diversity will have his stamp of approval.

Senator Bo Watson said, "I don’t think it’s the job of the legislature to micro-manage the university, but this the second incident for this particular department within in the past year of what many of us will perceive to be poor judgment."

The Vice Chancellor of the Office of Diversity Ricky Hall defends the policies, pointing out that there are Christmas decorations in his office.

He said, "I’m not anti-Christmas, I’m pro-inclusion."

But Bell isn’t backing down.

Senator Bell said,  "When I saw that, I contacted the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee Senator Delores Gresham, and she and I together decided to issue a news release yesterday calling on Chancellor Cheek to resign."

Senator Watson said, "I think it’s another example of the University trying to look so brilliant, that to the everyday citizen, they look stupid."

Senator Bell said, "Now how can you have a Christmas party without referencing religion or culture?"

Chancellor Cheek has issued a statement defending the memo.
 
It said, "As a diverse campus, we do promote ways to be inclusive of all cultures and religions. I am disappointed that our efforts to be inclusive have been totally misconstrued."