• Overview
• Resources
• Community Involvement
• • Programs
• • Building Awareness
• • Celebrations
• • Interactive Theatre
• Building Diversity Into University Processes
• Measuring Results

Recognizing Diversity in Celebrations

Carnegie Mellon is composed of a diverse population, with people from a variety of religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. One of the keys to successfully appreciating our diverse community is to be sensitive to the beliefs and opinions each person holds. What may be cause for celebration for one person might be offensive to another.

Here are some pointers to help your department make its next celebration a success.

• Avoid focusing celebrations on religious beliefs. Even if you expand your event to include more than one major religion, you're likely to forget or offend someone. Consider hosting events that focus on departmental successes or objectives.
• Give employees the freedom to not participate in a non-work-related event, if they so choose. Attending these celebrations should not be mandatory and people should not be made to feel uncomfortable for not participating.
• If you're serving food at your event, keep in mind the varied dietary needs of your guests. Some may require vegetarian or kosher options. Others may have food allergies or require a heart-healthy menu.
• In all circumstances, the university expects its faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni and their respective guests to conduct themselves, both individually and collectively, in a responsible manner. Illegal, abusive or excessive consumption of alcohol resulting in interference with the rights of other persons, personal injury or damage to property will result in severe disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination. See the university's Standards of Conduct Regarding Alcohol for details.
• Avoid scheduling events on key religious holidays that might make it difficult for everyone to attend.
• Remember to keep any decorations, activities and the name of your event secular, not religious. Likewise, encourage the employees in your department to be sensitive in their gift-giving practices.
• Be sensitive to the fact that while most seasons or events are cause for celebration, others may find those times to be emotionally difficult. If you notice an employee who seems to be struggling or depressed, consider recommending LifeWorks. Counselors can help faculty, staff or family members work through the problems they face. LifeWorks is offered at no charge, and counselors can be reached at 1-888-267-8126