Seattle School Cancels Halloween Parade, Claims It ‘Strips Out’ Students of Color | News
There will be no Halloween parade this year for a Seattle public school because of its effect on marginalized students of color who don’t celebrate the holiday, Seattle Times report.
School district officials say the pandemic played no role in their decision, and they received no complaints from parents about the solemn Pumpkin Parade at BF Day Elementary.
Instead, some students “requested to be isolated on campus during the event,” the statement said, citing the district’s “unwavering commitment to students of color” and having plans to replace the parade with “more educational and inclusive opportunities in day schools.”
School officials have discussed whether to hold the parade every year for the past five years, Times mentioned. This year, the school’s Race and Equity Team, with staff input, recommended canceling the parade.
Stanley Jaskot, the principal of the school, defended the decision Fox News.
“Some of our students have historically opted for an alternative activity in the library when the pumpkin parade took place,” he said. “This is an isolating situation and does not align with our values of being an inclusive and safe place for all of our students – especially students of color and those with sensitive backgrounds. feel all the noise and excitement of the parade.”
KOMO said this statement in the school’s October 8 newsletter provides insight into what’s behind the decision:
“Halloween events create a situation where some students must be excluded because of their beliefs, financial status, or life experiences. Masquerade parties often become an uncomfortable event for many children, and they distract students and staff from their studies. Large events create a change in schedule with noise levels and crowds. Some students experience overstimulation, while others face complex feelings of exclusion. It’s frustrating and upsetting for the kids.”
Follow Times, BF Day Elementary School, located in the Fremont neighborhood of the city, which is predominantly White, with a student population of 63 percent White, 16 percent mixed race, 8 percent Latino, 7 percent hundred Asian and 6 percent Black.
