The chancellor for the University of Tennessee says a controversial online memo advising employees to make sure holiday celebrations aren't Christmas parties "in disguise" was "poorly worded."
The memo "Best Practices for Inclusive Holiday Celebrations in the Workplace" was posted on the school's website by its Office for Diversity and Inclusion. It says parties should celebrate workplace relationships with no emphasis on religion or culture.
UT Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek said in a statement on Tuesday that the original posting has been replaced and that oversight of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion website has been reassigned.
Cheek said he met with Diversity and Inclusion Vice Chancellor Rickey Hall to discuss broad goals for diversity and inclusion, as well as determine actions to "prevent further poorly worded communications that deter from making progress on the goals."
