Halloween fun canceled at Massachusetts school district over 'equity and inclusion,' angering some parents: 'I don't understand why it is being taken away from my son'

Halloween festivities have been canceled at a Massachusetts school district this year over "equity and inclusion" concerns — and the move has left some parents angry.

What are the details?

Leaders from Northboro Public Schools sent a letter to parents this week noting that students aren't allowed to wear costumes to school for Halloween and the traditional parade through the hallways would be canceled, WBZ-TV reported.

School leaders said the changes were made in order to align with the district's "core values of equity and inclusion," the station said — although the district didn't provide details on how the changes will accomplish that objective, WBZ noted.

The station said the Halloween traditions often apply to elementary school students who dress up in costumes and line up and "parade" around the school halls.

"I think it's cool because everyone can see your costume and what you are going to be for Halloween if you don't live near them and won't see them at Halloween," Allison, a Northboro third-grader, told WBZ.

Allison plans to dress up as Cruella de Vil for Halloween and has her outfit all picked out, the station said: "I have a really long dress, a puppy that will rest on my shoulder, and a jacket."

Instead of costumes and a parade, the district told parents in the letter that students would participate in a "fall-themed spirit day," WBZ reported, adding that the parade would be looped into parent-teacher organization events outside school hours.

What has been the reaction?

The station said some Northboro parents understand why the change was made.

"There is the money aspect: Not everyone can afford a Halloween costume," parent James Hamlan noted to WBZ. "There's the parent aspect: Some kids have their parents there, and they are able to leave work and witness the parade."

In the end, Hamlin told the station he supports the district's new policy: "I think it's a good thing because it means more parents are going to be able to go to whatever parade the PTO is organizing."

But other parents aren't on board at all.

During a Wednesday school committee meeting, one parent remarked, "Frankly, I don't understand it. I don't understand why it is being taken away from my son," WBZ said.

Another parent added, "We should've been given the ability to have a say on it, and I don't think that that was done, and I don't think it was fair," the station said.

WBZ said it reached out to multiple district leaders, including the superintendent, but did not receive a response.

Northboro schools change Halloween festivities to promote "equity and inclusion"youtu.be

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