Massachusetts school drops Halloween for "black and orange" spirit day

WALPOLE, Mass. -- The decorations are out and Halloween is two weeks away, but there's controversy stirring at a school in Massachusetts.

Boyden Elementary School will not have its annual Halloween costume parade this year.

"I think it's a lot of political correctness," a Walpole woman said. "I think it's a shame because Halloween is the funnest day of the year -- next to Christmas -- for children."

The school's principal issued a letter to parents that reads in part: "The costume parade is out of our ordinary routine and can be difficult for many students. Also, the parade is not inclusive of all the students and it is our goal each and every day to ensure all student's individual differences are respected."

On Friday, the school will have a Halloween party after school hours. But the school says Halloween itself will be a "black and orange" spirit day.

Parents who spoke with CBS Boston were not happy about the decision to cancel the parade.

"We have grandkids going to Boyden School. Wonderful school," a grandmother of one student said. "The Halloween party should happen on Friday 'cause all the kids are excited."

"Put a costume on. Parade down the street. Let them have their little time," a Walpole man said. "Why do you have to turn it into something political?"

Last month, a school in Needham also canceled its Halloween events.

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