Milford Cancels Halloween in Schools; Parents Petitioning the Decision

Update 5 p.m. Milford school officials have announced a reversal with regarding to Halloween parades. You can read their decision here. BREAKING: Milford Schools Reverse Decision, Halloween Parades Will Go On

Original story: Halloween has been cancelled in the Milford Public Schools this year and that decision isn’t sitting well with numerous city parents.

In a note sent home to Milford parents last week the seemingly unpopular decision was announced.

“This year the Milford School District has decided the following: Halloween parades will not take place in any Milford elementary school. The decision arose out of numerous incidents of children being excluded from activities due to religious, cultural beliefs, etc. School-day activities must be inclusive. Halloween costumes are not permitted for students or staff during the day at school.”

But Milford parents aren’t taking no for an answer and already close to 600 people have signed a petition at Change.org calling on the schools to restore the parade. The petition, started by Milford resident Rebecca Lilley, says the cancellation is not right.

“I was shocked to find out our annual Halloween parade has been discontinued throughout our district. This is just not right. Growing up in America there are certain traditions and celebrations we have become accustomed to celebrating at home and during school! Saying the pledge of allegiance, Halloween parades, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations, New years, Valentines day parties and dances and Easter,” Lilly wrote on the petition.

“These are our American customs and traditions and we should not have to give them up because others find them offensive! I’m so tired on my kids missing out on some of the things we all got to do as children and are some of the greatest childhood memories I have due to others saying they find it offensive.

I say embrace our culture and we will try to embrace yours or keep your child home. Our children should not miss out on our traditional activities due to people crying they’re offended. Tell me how children smiling dressing up as a cartoon character, a doctor, a super hero is offensive? They are just children having fun and if you find it offensive y9u have the right to keep your child home but do not take the fun out of our traditional holidays and functions! Do not take our children’s rights to celebrate their holidays away!!!”

You can read the petition here.

Do you think the Milford Public Schools made the right decision here? Let us know in the comments section below.

Photo via the petition