Council member ‘disgusted and discouraged’ by holiday decor memo at City Hall

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) — A Kansas City council member is expressing his disappointment with a new memo at City Hall regarding holiday decor.

Nathan Willett took to social media Thursday to complain after City Manager Mario Vasquez told employees that no religious symbols would be on display this year.

The building instead will feature secular and cultural decor, including decorated trees, winter greenery, lights, poinsettias and cultural symbols like the Kinara for Kwanzaa, which is not a religious holiday.

“I could not be more disgusted and discouraged by this memo & the message this sends to our faith communities throughout Kansas City,” Willett wrote on Facebook. “Christian symbols among other faith traditions during this season should be proudly displayed in City Hall.”

Vasquez’s memo said the new protocol is “to ensure City Hall remains a welcoming space for everyone and to honor the separation of church and state” and that it “helps us respect the wide range of religious and non-religious beliefs held by our employees, visitors, and residents.”

These decorations celebrate the season without representing any specific faith tradition, the memo said.

Willett, however, said he believes the new protocol makes for a less inviting space.

“I feel like my faith tradition & other neighbors are no longer welcomed at City Hall,” Willett wrote. “My council office will fight back on this memo. It is the holiday season because there are many – ALL should have the opportunity to be celebrated.”

In response to Vasquez’s memo, Mayor Quinton Lucas said there wasn’t much time in the holiday season to discuss the directive but added he will “plan to seek an avenue for us to be able to address this issue further.”

Willett said he is committed to challenging the policy.

“All should be allowed. Not just secular symbols. Traditional Christian, traditional Jewish. Whatever your faith background is, should be welcome in our city and welcome in our public spaces,” Willett said.

Vasquez’s office said in a statement, “The message to City Council was not issued as a directive. It was a notice explaining how we intend to maintain City Hall as an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who enter the building. We know this aligns with the Council’s goals as well.”