Bainbridge Island school cancels Halloween parade for ‘inclusion’

Halloween will not be celebrated at a Bainbridge Island school, in the spirit of inclusion and equity.

Blakely Elementary says its canceled an annual costume parade because some families don’t participate for religious or financial reasons, reports the Kitsap Sun.

“Over the past two years Blakely has been reviewing school practices around equity and inclusion in an effort to ensure our school community continues to be inviting and supportive for everyone,” an email to parents read. “Blakely will not be participating in any Halloween events this year. Students will have a normal day, which means we will not allow costumes, parades or parties.”

Dori debates Bainbridge Island Councilmember over ‘I Didn’t Reproduce Day’

It’s also concerned about special needs students who are sensitive to loud noises and plenty of activity. The parade has been a tradition for more than a decade.

Some parents started an online petition to keep the Halloween parade alive that’s gathered nearly 500 signatures, calling it a “community building” event, and didn’t agree with the reasons behind the cancellation.

Is it OK to bus trick-or-treaters into rich neighborhoods for Halloween?

“We are struggling to see how canceling it for everyone is including everyone,” one parent told the Kitsap Sun.

Blakely’s principal plans to throw a fall festival instead.