Halloween is less than a week away, but there will be no costumes nor candy in classrooms in one area of New Jersey.
As the leaves change, the countdown is on for many kids eagerly awaiting Oct. 31. Homes across Maplewood are oozing with creepy Halloween decorations — though don't expect to see much celebrating this year at schools in the area.
That's because the South Orange-Maplewood School District announced earlier in the month that there would be no Halloween-themed events or costumes allowed during school hours. Students are allowed to dress up, but it has to wait until after class.
The district's rationale behind the decision: making sure no one feels excluded.
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In a letter sent home to parents, Superintendent Dr. Ronald Taylor said he recognized the decision "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 district said it asked school principals whether they believed the typical celebrations should continue, or if different activities centered around some sort of "Fall Festival" would be better. In the letter to parents, principals were "overwhelming in favor" of ending the celebrations.
Some appeared to support the decision.
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"I fully support that policy. I have three kids in the district, and for a longtime the elementary school didn’t really celebrate much during the school day for this exact reason. And honestly, having three kids, it’s kind of annoying having to get them ready and a costume," said Maplewood parent Megan Goslink.
But Gov. Phil Murphy was not one of those who were thrilled with the new policy. He wrote on social media "Seriously? We can't let kids celebrate Halloween? Give me a break."
