OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.
A New Jersey school district, South Orange & Maplewood School District (SOMSD), has canceled official school-wide Halloween celebrations, citing diversity, equity, and inclusion values.
The superintendent sent a letter to families explaining that Halloween celebrations will have to be held after school hours.
“As you know, SOMSD is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion meaningfully – not just saying the words but also promoting an inclusive school… Our aim is to build a consistent approach across the District as to how our schools observe and celebrate holidays and special events,” superintendent Dr. Ronald Taylor wrote. “Each year, questions arise from families, students, and staff about what SOMSD schools will be doing regarding Halloween.”
Seriously? We can't let kids celebrate Halloween? Give me a break https://t.co/BQiezE5OoZ
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 24, 2023
“Is promoting school-sponsored Halloween activities creating indirect and unintentional financial hardships for students and families? Do school-sponsored Halloween activities violate the dignity of some of our students and families, either culturally or religiously? Does the promotion of school-sponsored Halloween activities create tensions with the equity and access values of SOMSD?” the district asked.
“Ultimately, it was determined that I know this may make some uncomfortable and elicit some challenges across our community. However, in the end, I feel these recommendations align with SOMSD’s commitment to building equity,” Taylor added.
“All of us realize that this breaks with what the District has usually done, and that can be a difficult thing to do sometimes,” Dr. Kevin Gilbert, Assistant Superintendent of Access and Equity, said. “Often, working to instill greater equity in our district begins with recognizing that we cannot do what we have always done. But with this decision, we are taking a step closer to upholding our community’s access and equity values.”
The district reflected on questions regarding the financial hardships, cultural and religious dignity, and equity and access values associated with school-sponsored Halloween activities.
Principals overwhelmingly favored canceling Halloween celebrations in school, and the district clarified that Halloween was not canceled but banned from school hours.
Governor Phil Murphy responded, expressing disagreement with the decision.
“Seriously? We can’t let kids celebrate Halloween? Give me a break,” said Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
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