OUC in the news   Press/media contacts   Publication library   Knowledge Center   More about OUC		OUC News Release For Immediate Release   return to archive June 15, 2001 Paul Dillon |   OUC Broadens Interpretation of Displays of Personal Expression by Employees ORLANDO (June 15, 2001) – At OUC, we are committed to providing a harmonious work environment for all employees. The intention of our diversity policy is to provide guidelines for maintaining such an environment in the workplace. Over the past few days, it has become clear that many of our employees, customers and others have strong feelings regarding our interpretation of our policy and have expressed concern that perhaps we have gone "too far" to protect our employees. We appreciate the public dialogue. As a result of this input, OUC has determined that it will resolve the current situation with regard to personal expressions on OUC property. We will broaden our interpretation of displays of personal expression of speech on OUC property as long as they are not patently offensive, on OUC equipment, or create a harassing or hostile work environment, or are inconsistent with our diversity policy. Our diversity policy urges employees to respect the dignity of others, be sensitive to different cultures and respect those differences. OUC—The Reliable One is a municipal utility owned by the City of Orlando. It provides electricity and water services to more than 165,000 customers in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange County.