Halloween usually sees children in costume, cheerfully parading through school corridors. However, in Northboro, Massachusetts, the school district decided to modify this tradition, prioritizing their 'core values of equity and inclusion' as reported by CBS news.
The festive occasion, whereby elementary school students adorn costumes and participate in a school parade, has been replaced. As per a missive issued to parents, students are now prohibited from wearing costumes during Halloween and the regular parade was cancelled reports CBS news. In lieu of the traditional celebration, the school will host a 'fall-themed spirit day'.
This decision has elicited a spectrum of responses. While some stand with this change, arguing that not all families are in a position to engage fully in the festivities – via purchasing costumes or attending the day-time parade – others perceive this as an abrupt elimination of a beloved festivity, without consultation according to The Boston Herald.
The concerns raised by parents has prompted the school district to give thought reconsidering their decision. Superintendent Gregory Martineau, stated, "I understand the Halloween parade was a wonderful memory-making experience for many students and families," as quoted in The Boston Herald. Yet, he stressed, that this scenario was not universal across the student community.
Martineau went on to clarify that around 12% of elementary students in the district refrained from participating in the previous year's parade, citing costume concerns and conflict with personal beliefs as reasons.
