A Massachusetts elementary school decided to cancel its Halloween costume parade since it is not inclusive for all students involved, outlets reported Tuesday.
Instead of the costume parade, the school in Walpole will throw a “Black and Orange” spirit day, Boyden Elementary School officials announced.
“The costume parade is out of our ordinary routine and can be difficult for many students,” the school principal said in a message to parents. “Also, the parade is not inclusive of all the students and it is our goal each and every day to ensure all student’s individual differences are respected.”
The school will also host a Halloween party Friday, the “Monster Mash Pasta Bash,” after school so the students can have the chance to celebrate with their friends.
Some parents have expressed outrage about the decision, saying it is taking political correctness too far, while others accepted the principal’s concern about security and keeping the students safe.
“That’s the part that especially the parents and the students are having a hard time understanding,” Julie Lowre, a parent, told Fox 25 Boston. “We have numerous events not all inclusive, so if you cancel one event you have to cancel them all.”
The decision to cancel the Halloween costume parade was up to the school, one parent said.
“It’s not my decision to make, it’s decision for someone who has authority, who knows the issues more than I do,” Charissa Kaselis, a Parent Advisory Council member, said, noting the parade is open to the public which makes security difficult.
Another Walpole resident believes its unfair to the children to cancel the parade.
“I think it’s a lot of political correctness, ” a Walpole woman said. “I think it’s a shame because Halloween is the funnest day of the year next to Christmas for children.”
The Daily Caller News Foundation reached out the school but received none in time for publication.
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