A Politically Correct Halloween Costume ...Is There Such a Thing?

We received this amusing note about what is and what is not allowed in terms of Halloween costumes at a New York City private school. After you consider all the rules below, what would be permissable? See below!

Hello 6th Grade Families,

Halloween is tomorrow and your children are permitted to wear their costumes in school. This is a good opportunity to begin a discussion with them, if you haven't already, about the importance of being sensitive when choosing their costumes. Here are some guidelines and questions that we encourage you to consider and discuss with your child:

· Wearing a funny costume: Is the humor based on making fun of real people, human traits or culture?
· Wearing a historical costume: If the costume is meant to be historical, does it further misinformation or historical or cultural inaccuracies?
· Wearing a cultural costume: Does the costume reduce cultural differences to jokes or stereotypes?
· Could someone take offense with your costume and why?

Today, I learned that some students are considering either dressing as a classmate (in a lovely, mutually agreed upon way) and/or dressing as someone of the opposite gender.

In line with our ethical values that pertain to inclusion and respect for culture and identity, dressing up as someone else's identity (e.g. race, gender, religion, nationality, etc.), even if mutually agreed upon, will not be condoned. I request your partnership in making sure that your students follow this expectation.
Attached, please find an article from Teaching Tolerance Magazine "What do Halloween Costumes Say?"

It is a bit long but it does have some good points to think about.

Many thanks and, as always, please feel free to be in touch with me if you'd like to discuss further.

Sincerely,

Your Principal