Michigan elementary schools in one district will be doing away with Halloween and Valentine’s Day celebrations over concerns that the holidays lack “inclusion” for students.
The Elementary Principal Team from East Lansing Public Schools wrote a letter to parents saying they believe it is unfair to celebrate these holidays when there are students who don’t partake in the celebrations, WLNS reported.
“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,” the statement said.
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The letter expounds on the decision, saying that while Halloween comes with “parties and parades,” there are students who either don’t celebrate Halloween or are frightened by the holiday. Valentine’s Day also leads to students not feeling included, the letter added, saying that some families are not comfortable with the thought of “young boys and girls exchanging” gifts, specifically when it comes to a holiday focused on the central idea of “love.”
In both cases, the letter pointed out that unintended drawbacks to celebrating the two holidays are added distraction to students and create a more challenging work environment for educators.
“While this may be a disappointment and/or adjustment for some of our students/families at first, we promise to continue to offer alternative days throughout the school year that are full of fun and learning, for everyone,” the letter concluded.
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Jessy Gregg, the mayor of East Lansing, issued a statement on Facebook dispelling rumors that she was planning to rid the city of similar holiday celebrations.
Gregg said she believes holiday programs in the city will be “more welcoming” if things like Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny were left out, and she assured residents that “no events” were being canceled.
An elementary school in Washington announced on Oct. 8 that it would no longer be hosting its annual Halloween parade after faculty determined that the parade marginalized “students of color who do not celebrate the holiday.”
The Washington Examiner reached out to East Lansing Public Schools for a statement but did not receive a response.
