Students in a New Jersey school district have been barred from Halloween festivities during school hours in the name of “diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Earlier this month, superintendent of New Jersey’s South Orange and Maplewood school district, Dr. Ronald G. Taylor, explained to parents in a letter that Halloween would not be celebrated during school hours in an effort to promote “diversity, equity, and inclusion meaningfully,” The New York Times reported.
The district’s rationale behind the decision is “making sure no one feels excluded,” NBC New York reported. It is also purportedly aimed at protecting religious students who don’t celebrate Halloween or who cannot afford a costume.
Taylor said in the letter that he realizes his decision to cancel Halloween “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, fostering inclusion, and building a sense of belonging throughout our schools,” the letter reads.