Officials from a northern New Jersey elementary school say diversity played a key role in their decision to cancel all Halloween parties at the school this year.
NJ.com reports a letter sent to parents last week said about 20 percent of Seth Boyden Elementary School's student body didn't participate in last year's festivities.
Principal Mark Quiles and PTA co-presidents Amelia Riekenberg and Donna Upton praised Seth Boyden's community "with many cultures represented" and stated that past Halloween celebrations had many students feeling left out.
A South Orange-Maplewood School District spokeswoman said the policy doesn't extend to other schools in the district or to other holidays at Seth Boyden.
Superintendent John Ramos Sr. issued a statement saying he respects the school's decision.
A similar move at a Connecticut city school system last week prompted an outcry from parents, forcing schools officials to reverse its decision and reinstate the parades.
