East Lansing Public Schools will prohibit future Halloween and Valentine’s Day celebrations. The district has already cancelled Christmas and winter celebrations.
The district says the cancellations are the product of equity and inclusion issues. It sent a letter to parents and students notifying them that parties and observances of the holidays will no longer be allowed. It states:
“The celebration of Halloween and Valentine’s Day are two traditions that have given us pause for some time, especially as we grow in our understanding of equity and inclusion and look closely at the unintended consequences of celebrating these days in schools.”
The letter states there are families who do not celebrate Halloween and don’t want their children participating in Halloween parties and parades. It says that some children become overwhelmed or frightened by the festivities, making it difficult to concentrate and learn.
The district also says that some parents are not comfortable with their children exchanging cards associated with the Valentine’s Day celebration of love. The letter states that observing the holiday could lead to classroom drama and teasing.
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