An elementary school in Seattle has canceled its annual ‘Pumpkin Parade’ claiming it ‘marginalizes’ students of color who don’t celebrate Halloween.
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The Benjamin Franklin Day Elementary School made the announcement in a newsletter to parents on Oct. 8 where it stated all students are banned from wearing Halloween costumes on the 31st. ‘As a school with foundational beliefs around equity for our students and families, we are moving away from our traditional ‘Pumpkin Parade’ event and requesting that students do not come to school in costumes,’ the newsletter reads.
“In alliance with SPS’s unwavering commitment to students of color, specifically African American males, the staff is committed to supplanting the Pumpkin Parade with more inclusive and educational opportunities during the school day,”
According to the school’s administrators, they claimed the parade cancelation will support students of color who do not celebrate the holiday and those who cannot afford a Halloween costume. Additionally, the loud noises and crowds could be a trigger for some students, said Principal Stanley Jaskot.
“Yes, I agree this event marginalized our students of color. Several of our students historically opted for an alternate activity in the library while the pumpkin parade took place. This was an isolating situation and not consistent with our values of being an inclusive and safe place for all our students – especially students of color and those with a sensitivity to all the noise and excitement of the parade.”
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Students will instead participate in more inclusive activities that will recognize the fall season such as art and history lessons.