Celebrate Halloween Safely And Respectfully

Halloween is fast-approaching, and as kids gear up for school events and a night of tricks and treats, it’s important to remember to be safe and respectful while celebrating the spookiest time of the season.

Students and staff alike may be excited to dress up, and it's important that costumes do not include elements of cultural appropriation or other potentially offensive themes.

“Halloween is a fun time for students, teachers and families to dress up in costumes that bring out both creativity and imagination, which are fantastic and build on our sense of community,” said JB Mahli, Director of Instruction with the Racial Equity department. “It’s also an important time to remind everyone of cultural appropriation and our goals of ensuring belonging of everyone and respecting identity.”

Cultural appropriation is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of customs, practices, ideas or elements of a culture or identity by members of another.

Some Halloween costumes may be unsuitable if they contain elements of:

• Race or ethnicity (i.e. blackface, brownface)
• Culture (i.e. Indigenous regalia/headdresses, hijabs, dreadlocks)
• Religion or faith (i.e. religious figures, gods, saints, gurus)
• Gender (i.e. gender switching for the purpose of humour or mockery)
• Ableism (i.e. mocking physical or mental abilities)

Some costumes may also be traumatic if they contain violent imagery, such as weaponry or a hangman's noose. It's also important to be aware of the potential negative and triggering impact violent images and/or scenarios can have on students and families with varying lived experiences and backgrounds.

Students and staff are reminded that weapons (including fake ones) are not allowed at school, even as part of a costume. And everyone is urged to be mindful of cultural or racial stereotypes with their costumes, and consider if their outfit may be offensive to others.

For those who are going door-to-door for candy in the evening, the Government of Canada has a number of Halloween safety tips to help keep kids safe.

Wishing our PM Community a Happy and Safe Halloween!