Princeton School Cancels Halloween Parade. Then Reverses Decision

PRINCETON, NJ — Parents in Princeton were surprised to receive a letter from Riverside Elementary School earlier this week, announcing they were canceling Halloween celebrations, in a bid to be more “inclusive.” But on Friday morning, the school reversed its decision after the community expressed displeasure.

On Sept. 21 Riverside Elementary School principal Ebony Lattimer sent out a letter to parents informing them of the school’s decision to cancel Halloween celebrations as few students did not participate due to religious or cultural reasons. Instead, the school decided to opt for a ‘Book Bonanza Celebration.”

“This celebration will include the parade, socially distanced of course, but students will be asked to dress up as their favorite book character and celebrate why this character is their favorite,” Lattimer wrote in the letter. She said the celebration would help the district to achieve its goals for increased academic achievement and student attendance.

However, the decision was met with backlash from the school community, and on Friday, the district reversed its decision. In a letter sent out Friday morning, Lattimer said she’s still learning and had hoped to provide an effective and inclusive experience for all students.

“From the feedback I have received, I realize that this will require a more profound discussion before we can make a firm decision. Our school and district greatly value parent and family engagement in guiding decision-making,” Lattimer said. “Therefore, we will continue with the traditional holiday activities for this school year and have school-wide discussions for potential changes in the future.”

Lattimer was recently appointed Principal of Riverside Elementary School and stepped into the new position on Aug. 23.

Read More Here: Princeton's Riverside School Gets New Principal

School Superintendent Carol Kelley applauded Lattimer for proposing new and creative opportunities for learning and inclusivity.

“However, what's always tricky as a leader is balancing your ideas with the decision-making process of engaging and involving the people you serve,” Kelley told Patch in a statement.

“Principal Lattimer's handling of the school community's response is commendable. She is not closing the door on the proposed options but pausing to have deeper discussions with Riverside families. Parent and family engagement are the fabric of Princeton Public Schools.”

Recently, the Randolph Board of Education faced backlash after changing Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day on its calendar. Amid the debate, the district removed all holiday names from the calendar.

Read More Here: Amid Columbus Dispute, Randolph Schools Take Names Off Holidays

Read More Here: Columbus Day, Holidays Back On Randolph School Calendar

After receiving much criticism, the school board voted to return the school calendar to its earlier state, with holiday names including Columbus Day.

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