Link: http://dailycaller.com/2015/10/12/connecticut-school-bans-halloween-to-avoid-offending-people/
Date: 10/12/2015
Summary: A few weeks ago, the public school system in Milford Connecticut banned Halloween-related festivities to avoid offending children who didn’t feel comfortable partaking in the events. The parents and students received a letter saying that there would be no Halloween parade (a community tradition), and students would not be allowed to wear their costumes to school because of the “numerous incidents of children being excluded from activities due to religion, cultural beliefs, etc.” Some people claim that Halloween celebrations are considered religious observances, and when celebrations are held in a public schools, they violate the free establishment clause of the First Amendment. Jim Richetelli, chief operations officer for Milford schools, said, “The goal is for all children to feel comfortable and definitely not alienated when they come to school,” however, many parents claim that this ban is absurd, and should not be set in place. Residents of Milford even started a petition against this decision.
Questions: Do you believe that Halloween-related events violate the First amendment? Do you agree with this ban? How would you react to this situation?
In my opinion I don't think that Halloween related events violate the first amendment, but that is only because I never thought of Halloween as a religious holiday. I don't agree with this ban because I don't think that it's fair that children aren't allowed to dress up and walk around in their costumes, when there isn't religious purpose behind it. I would be very upset at this, because children should be able to experience dressing up and having fun without religion getting involved.
ReplyDeleteSome students at BHS these days are experiencing similar sentiments with changes to ensure that all students feel comfortable. Civil rights or civil liberties?
ReplyDeleteI understand both sides of the story in this situation. I had a friend in middle school who was a Jehovah Witness, and didn't celebrate any holidays, so I can understand the religious pressure it might put on a person to be surrounded by things you don't believe in. On the other hand, I also believe banning religious practices goes against the 1st amendment right to freedom of religious, which also seems unjust. Perhaps a solution would be to remove religious practices from required school events, but not ban them from a community.
ReplyDeleteI understand both sides of the story in this situation. I had a friend in middle school who was a Jehovah Witness, and didn't celebrate any holidays, so I can understand the religious pressure it might put on a person to be surrounded by things you don't believe in. On the other hand, I also believe banning religious practices goes against the 1st amendment right to freedom of religious, which also seems unjust. Perhaps a solution would be to remove religious practices from required school events, but not ban them from a community.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with the banning of Halloween Festivities in public schools. I would argue that these are not religious practices, nor are they forced upon all students, let alone, Halloween is not even an official holiday. Therefore, it does not violate the First Amendment, making the ban, somewhat ludicrous. I do, however, understand the point of view of some individuals who might have religious or cultural views that prevent them from participating. However, just because a few people have these views that stop themselves from being a part, does not mean that everyone else's activities have to be cancelled. This in of itself, I believe, is a violation of the First Amendment. Recently, I think Political Correctness and a fear of offending anybody, no matter how few actually might object, has unduly become the norm.
ReplyDeleteTo answer the questions posed in the above article, I will first have to say that technically, Halloween events violate the first amendment. As we have seen in previous examples, schools do not allow religious practices, such as praying at football games, and Halloween could be considered a religious event. However, I do not agree with the ban. One of the many things school teach us is tolerance for others, and their personalities, quirks, and beliefs. I therefore would react negatively to this ban, as it shows a clear closed-mindless to tolerance as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI feel that halloween is not an event based on religion, I am aware that some religions don't accept halloween. It is up to the child and their parents to choose to take their student out of activities like this, as it is a tradition that most american students and families have been doing for years. Its not fair to ruin a holiday because of one students needs and wants, as i feel that the school should not have taken the action they did.
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ReplyDeleteI disagree with the school system's decision to ban anything related to Halloween at schools. There are some who'd argue that since some certain religions prohibit or discourage the celebration of this holiday, school systems allowing activities for these times of year are violating the Establishment Clause by "leaving out" or "offending" worshippers of those religions, when that's simply not the case. Halloween is not nearly as big of an infraction as something like student-led prayer highlighted by Santa Fe v. Jane Doe. Halloween is merely, as stated in the article, an event that is "descended from the rituals of Europe's ancient pre-Christian pagans". Yes, it may be slightly controversial to several faiths' tenets, but it's not enough to warrant a prohibition from public schools. After all, topics such as evolution go against the Christian belief of Creationism, yet is it prohibited? No, public schools teach it in their biology classes. The Milford School System really acted unwisely.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with the school system's decision to ban anything related to Halloween at schools. There are some who'd argue that since some certain religions prohibit or discourage the celebration of this holiday, school systems allowing activities for these times of year are violating the Establishment Clause by "leaving out" or "offending" worshippers of those religions, when that's simply not the case. Halloween is not nearly as big of an infraction as something like student-led prayer highlighted by Santa Fe v. Jane Doe. Halloween is merely, as stated in the article, an event that is "descended from the rituals of Europe's ancient pre-Christian pagans". Yes, it may be slightly controversial to several faiths' tenets, but it's not enough to warrant a prohibition from public schools. After all, topics such as evolution go against the Christian belief of Creationism, yet is it prohibited? No, public schools teach it in their biology classes. The Milford School System really acted unwisely.
ReplyDeleteI do not agree that Halloween violates the First amendment because it is not affiliated in any way with a religion. This ban seems ridiculous to me just because it has nothing to do with religion. However, I do understand the pressure one might feel being surrounded by the parade if their religious beliefs don't allow them to contribute. Having said this, I still believe that Halloween is not a religious event and if a parent feels uncomfortable with their child taking place in these events it is a choice to be there.
ReplyDeleteI also do not believe that Halloween violates the First amendment because, even though religion may impact the way a child can dress, it is in no way affiliated with religion. I do not agree with this ban. I think that children should have the right to dress up. If a child or family chooses to not allow their child to dress up, that is their choice and their problem, not the school's. In this situation, as a parent I would definitely sign a petition in order to allow children to dress up for Halloween.
ReplyDeleteI also do not believe that Halloween violates the First amendment because, even though religion may impact the way a child can dress, it is in no way affiliated with religion. I do not agree with this ban. I think that children should have the right to dress up. If a child or family chooses to not allow their child to dress up, that is their choice and their problem, not the school's. In this situation, as a parent I would definitely sign a petition in order to allow children to dress up for Halloween.
ReplyDeleteAlong with several others, I feel that Halloween, and the festivities that come with it, do not violate the First Amendment. Halloween is not affiliated with a religion, nor does every student have to participate with it. The students should have the right to dress up if they choose to, but, by no means is forced to. Although students may feel pressure to follow their classmates, Halloween does not have a discriminatory nature. Halloween should be allowed at schools because it, overall, doesn't promote a religion.
ReplyDeleteAlong with several others, I feel that Halloween, and the festivities that come with it, do not violate the First Amendment. Halloween is not affiliated with a religion, nor does every student have to participate with it. The students should have the right to dress up if they choose to, but, by no means is forced to. Although students may feel pressure to follow their classmates, Halloween does not have a discriminatory nature. Halloween should be allowed at schools because it, overall, doesn't promote a religion.
ReplyDeleteAlong with several others, I feel that Halloween, and the festivities that come with it, do not violate the First Amendment. Halloween is not affiliated with a religion, nor does every student have to participate with it. The students should have the right to dress up if they choose to, but, by no means is forced to. Although students may feel pressure to follow their classmates, Halloween does not have a discriminatory nature. Halloween should be allowed at schools because it, overall, doesn't promote a religion.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that halloween does not violate the first amendment. In my opinion, banning it goes against the first amendment because it doesn't allow children to wear costumes to school. As decided in the famous Tinker Supreme Court case, it is illegal to limit students clothing unless it can cause major problems. In my opinion, This does not cause major problems. If people don't want to participate, then they don't have to.
ReplyDeleteOnce upon a time I do believe that Halloween was a religious event. But, today this is no longer true. Halloween is now a cultural event that can, and should, be celebrated by all. However, there should be limited bans on what students wear. If the costume is considered offensive by a culture or if the costume is supposed to make fun of a specific group of people then it should not be allowed. There is no reason to limit children in expressing themselves on a holiday for children. Many people believe that Halloween is the only day that you have the freedom to be whoever you want to be without being judged. This ban is ridiculous and just furthers my idea that in today's society we have become too sensitive.
ReplyDeleteThe Ban seems unreasonable and not fair to the students. As we have learned, America loves traditions and would not separate from any traditions if given the option. Halloween, just like other holidays should be allowed in any school no more or less than valentines day, Saint Patrick's day, and other minor holidays. The ban should be released and Halloween should continue.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that Halloween-related events violate the First Amendment. I do not agree with this ban because church and state or in this case belief systems and schools are supposed to remain separate. It is not ostracizing a group of students to have a Halloween Parade. It's tradition. If put in a situation like this, I would probably have a substitute activity for the children who do not partake in Halloween Festivities.
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