East Lansing Public Schools in Michigan announced this week that they will be no longer be celebrating Halloween and Valentine’s Day in their schools.
“Each year, along with the fun of Halloween parties and parades, we also have students whose families do not celebrate or feel comfortable with their children participating in Halloween festivals”, said a letter reportedly sent to parents.
The Elementary Principal Team explained that “Valentine’s Day is another day in which school parties and the exchange of valentine cards leads to unintended consequences”.
They noted that some families “do not feel comfortable with the idea of boys and girls exchanging valentines or participating in a celebration that focuses on ‘love'”. They also mentioned the drama and teasing that comes along with exchanging valentines in classrooms.
Officials reported that it’s very hard for students to concentrate on their schoolwork when Halloween celebrations are happening.
Assistant Superintendent Glenn Mitcham told The Associated Press, “We’re striving hard at East Lansing Public Schools to be a district that is equitable and inclusive for all families”. He said it’s common to see students crying “because they don’t have the same kind of costumes that other kids have or they didn’t bring the same amazing valentines that other kids do”.
Mitcham explained that through teaching practices, Halloween could still be observed at the schools. He noted that the holidays will still be celebrated at MacDonald Middle School and East Lansing High School, but not to the same extent.
