There will be no Seattle Halloween public school parade this year because of its effects on marginalized colored students who do not celebrate the holiday, Seattle Times reports.
School district officials said the pandemic did not play a role in their decision and did not receive any complaints from parents about the costumed pumpkin parade at BF Day Primary School.
Rather, some students “asked to be isolated on campus while the event took place,” the statement said, citing the district’s unwavering commitment to colorful students and plans to replace the parade with “more inclusive and educational opportunities.” during school ”day. ”
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School staff have discussed whether to hold the annual parade for the past five years, Times stated. This year, the school’s competition and capital team, with the participation of staff, recommended canceling the parade.
Stanley Jascott, principal of the school, defended the decision to Fox News.
“Several of our students have historically chosen an alternative activity in the library during the pumpkin parade,” he said. “It was an isolating situation and it was not in line with our values to be an inclusive and safe place for all our students – especially colorful students and those with sensitivity to all the noise and excitement of the parade.”
KOMO said that this statement in the school bulletin for October 8 offered information on what was behind the decision:
“Halloween events create a situation where some students have to be excluded because of their beliefs, financial situation or life experience. Costume parties often become an awkward event for many children and distract students and staff from learning. Big events create changes in schedules with high noise levels and crowds. Some students experience overstimulation, while others have to deal with the complex feeling of exclusion. This is uncomfortable and unpleasant for children. “
According to Times, BF Day Elementary School, located in Fremont’s neighborhood of the city, is majority white, with a student population that is 63 percent white, 16 percent mixed race, 8 percent Latino, 7 percent Asian, and 6 percent black.