Should Halloween Still Be Celebrated in Public School?

As the end of October nears, it’s hard to ignore the excitement surrounding Halloween. From spooky decorations to costume planning, many students are eager to celebrate the holiday in school. Despite the fun and festivity, however, there’s a growing conversation about whether Halloween should be celebrated in schools at all.

Halloween, of course, is mostly considered a secular holiday, and a lot of people choose not to celebrate or to observe it because of religious reasons. Not only that, but there’s an entire contingent of parents who would prefer to avoid the extra sugar and treats, pressure to have the coolest costume, etc. Still, it’s a day a lot of kids look forward to from the very beginning of the school year.

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But, Why Not?

As a parent, your first instinct might be to say “Yes” to Halloween celebrations in schools. After all, it’s a fun, nostalgic holiday you may remember fondly from your own childhood. Dressing up in costumes, sharing candy, trick-or-treating, and participating in classroom parties sounds like a harmless way for kids to have fun.  

When you look deeper, however, it becomes clear not all children feel the same way. For some families, Halloween is a holiday they don’t celebrate or may even feel uncomfortable with, which means what seems like innocent fun for some can feel isolating or stressful for others. Here’s why it might be better to leave this holiday out of the classroom.

Not All Families Celebrate Halloween

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One of the biggest concerns with celebrating Halloween in school is that it can unintentionally exclude students. Not all families observe Halloween, whether for religious, cultural, or personal reasons. I’ve seen how some kids are left feeling awkward because their families don’t observe the holiday. They arrive at school in their usual clothes rather than a costume, which other kids are quick to notice.

Even though Halloween might be a popular US holiday, 19% of families of color and 7% of white American families don’t participate. Making the holiday a focal point in the classroom may make those students feel left out or uncomfortable.   

Across the country, some elementary schools have already halted the Halloween festivities, opting to promote inclusivity instead. In 2021, a Washington state school canceled its celebrations as it marginalized students of color who didn’t participate in the occasion. 

It Can Be a Distraction From Learning

girl witch halloween costume
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School is mainly a place for learning, and Halloween celebrations can become a major distraction. As a parent, I’ve watched my kids lose all focus in the weeks leading up to Halloween as their attention shifts to organizing their costumes and how much candy they think they’ll get.

With costumes, parties and parades, it can be difficult to keep students focused on academic tasks. Although some may argue that celebrations bring excitement, the reality is they often shift the attention away from important lessons and can disrupt the flow of the school day.

There’s Pressure To Participate

best friend halloween costumes
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Another issue is the pressure many students may feel to participate. I’ve been there, scrambling to find an affordable outfit at the last minute, and I know not all families have the resources to make this happen. There are more than seven million cases of bullying a year, and dress-up celebrations like Halloween only make more room for this.

Costumes, in particular, can be a point of stress for students and parents. Not every family can afford to buy or create costumes, leading to embarrassment or exclusion for students who come to school without one. 

There’s Potential for Inappropriate Costumes

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Even when costumes are allowed, there’s always the concern about inappropriate outfits making their way into the classroom. Every year when I drop my kids off I see such costumes, particularly from the older students. A school in the Massachusetts district canceled its Halloween celebrations citing younger kids getting overwhelmed with the outfits, while others showed up without a costume at all. 

Whether it’s outfits that are too scary, culturally insensitive choices, or costumes that violate school dress codes, the risk is high. Monitoring what every child is wearing can become a logistical nightmare for teachers and administrators, taking away valuable time and focus from education.

Schools Should Be Neutral Spaces

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Ultimately, schools should remain neutral spaces where all students feel welcome, regardless of their personal or family beliefs. Celebrating a holiday like Halloween, which can have controversial or even negative connotations for some families, might not align with the values of inclusivity and respect for all.  

Instead of dedicating school time to one holiday, schools should focus on activities that bring all students together, fostering community without excluding or pressuring anyone to participate. I want my children to learn in a place where they can connect with all their peers, not feel divided because of a holiday. 

Health and Safety Concerns

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With food allergies on the rise, the treats and candy that often accompany Halloween celebrations can be a hazard. My youngest has multiple food allergies, and trying to organize appropriate candy for her can be stressful. Roughly 1% to 2% of the US population has a peanut allergy, an extremely common candy ingredient. Schools already have to be cautious about what’s allowed in classrooms to ensure student safety.

Halloween parties can make it harder to regulate what’s being passed around, increasing the risk of allergic reactions. Additionally, the safety of elaborate outfits, props, or face masks might raise concerns about accidents or injuries during the school day.

Celebrate Another Occasion Instead

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Rather than focusing on Halloween, schools can celebrate an occasion that’s more inclusive and educational, such as a fall festival. A fall festival offers the opportunity to bring students together in a way that highlights the beauty of the season without the pressure of costumes or holiday traditions not everyone observes. Activities like pumpkin decorating, apple tasting, corn mazes, and learning about the harvest season can create a festive atmosphere while keeping the focus on shared experiences everyone can enjoy. 

A fall festival also allows schools to integrate educational elements, teaching students about the changing seasons, nature, and cultural traditions from around the world that celebrate the harvest. This type of celebration can promote unity and inclusivity, encouraging all students to participate in the fun without feeling excluded or pressured to conform to a particular holiday’s customs.

Fall for Fun, Not Frights

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Even though Halloween is undoubtedly fun and exciting for many people, it may not be the best fit for a school setting. Schools should shift the focus to creating inclusive environments where students of all backgrounds feel comfortable and respected. I believe there are better ways for schools to celebrate the season that ensure every child feels included.