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Policy 2.9.6

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SUBJECT: EMPLOYEE OFFICE AND HALLWAY DÉCOR

Purpose

This policy establishes guidelines for employee décor in offices, hallways, and shared University spaces. It seeks to balance personal expression with safety, professionalism, and the Baptist heritage of the University. For purposes of this policy, décor includes decorations, postings, signage, and any other displays.

Scope

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, and administrators across all University offices, facilities, and property, regardless of location.

1. Definitions

• Private Office: An enclosed office assigned to an individual employee.
• Shared/Departmental Space: Reception areas, conference rooms, or spaces accessible to or shared by multiple employees.
• Public/Common Space: Hallways, lobbies, stairwells, and any area visible to the general public.

 

2. General Requirements

• All décor must comply with fire and building codes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Decorations may not cover exit signs, emergency doors, or safety equipment.
  • Only flame-retardant materials and UL-approved electrical items may be used.
• Décor must be clean, professional, and in good repair.
• Employees are responsible for the timely removal of seasonal or temporary decorations.

 

3. Private Offices

• Employees may display personal décor items within their private office space in accordance with the following:
  • All décor must be consistent with the University’s policies, the University’s Christian mission, the Texas Baptist Statement of Faith, and Community Standards.
  • Décor should not be readily visible from public corridors or building exteriors (e.g., through windows or glass walls or outside office or on office doors) without prior written approval from the cabinet-level administrator responsible for the office area.

 

4. Shared & Public Spaces

• Hallways, lobbies, and departmental spaces are reserved solely for University-approved signage, branding, and communications.
• Any décor in shared or public spaces may only be used for approved institutional postings.

 

5. Approval & Enforcement

• All décor, whether personal or institutional, must fully align with the University’s Christian mission, the Texas Baptist Statement of Faith, and Community Standards. Any décor, symbol, or display that conflicts with or undermines these guiding principles is strictly prohibited and may be removed immediately at the discretion of the University. Employees are responsible for ensuring that all décor within their assigned spaces complies with these requirements.
• Concerns or complaints regarding décor should be directed to the employee’s direct supervisor or to the cabinet-level administrator responsible for that area, not to the individual employee. This approach ensures that issues are handled respectfully, confidentially, and in line with University policy. Supervisors and cabinet-level administrators are responsible for reviewing the concern, determining whether the décor complies with University standards, and, if necessary, coordinating with Human Resources for further evaluation or resolution. Employees who raise décor concerns will be protected from retaliation.
• Non-compliance may be addressed through supervisory action consistent with University Policies.

 

6. Respect & Civility

• The University affirms the dignity of all employees and expects mutual respect.
• No employee will be retaliated against for policy-compliant displays in their private office or for requesting accommodations related to décor.

 

7. Reservation of Rights

• The University reserves the right to request the removal or to engage in the removal of any décor as it deems appropriate in the sole discretion of the leadership of the University. The University further reserves the right to modify and/or rescind this policy at any time.

 

 

Revisions:

• 10-21-2025 – Inception as policy and effective on November 1, 2025.

 

Printable 2.9.6

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