An elementary school in Massachusetts is canceling its Halloween festivities this year because they are not “inclusive” enough.
Boyden Elementary School in Walpole, Massachusetts told parents on Tuesday, Oct. 17, it was canceling its usual costumed Halloween parade this year because it is “out of our ordinary routine and can be difficult for many students,” CBS Boston reports.
“Also, the parade is not inclusive of all the students and it is our goal each and every day to ensure all student’s individual differences are respected.”
This year Halloween falls on a Tuesday.
On the Friday before, the school will host an after-school Monster Mash/Pasta Bash featuring The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, a “not so scary” Haunted Hallway, dancing and games.
“Costumes are optional but strongly encouraged,” the event’s flyer says.
On the actual holiday, the school will host a black and orange spirit day event.
“As with all our spirit days, students can choose to participate or not,” the school said in a release, according to WCVB.
This isn’t the first school in Massachusetts to cancel its Halloween activities citing inclusion.
Last month, Mitchell Elementary School in Needham, about 10 miles south of Boyden Elementary, canceled theirs saying the holiday is not inclusive and can be awkward for some children.
