No Halloween Parade At Lower Merion Elementary Schools This Year

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — There will be no Halloween parades in Lower Merion School District's elementary schools this year, the district said.

According to the district, no elementary schools will host Halloween parades.

The district gave several reasons as to why it suspended the parades, which Action News reports have been ongoing for 50 years.

"First, there are concerns for the safety and security of students parading outside among a crowd of unscreened adults on our field," the district said. "Another is the lack of inclusivity of students whose families do not celebrate Halloween for religious or cultural reasons. Finally, many working parents and guardians are unable to attend a morning parade due to work responsibilities, which can create disappointment for their children."

Despite canceling the parades, the district said students are invited to come to school in costume if they wish to do so.

Students can dress in a way that reflects something unique about them, their interests, culture or personality, the district said. These outfits should not include weapons and should enable students to move freely.