It?s a time for tricks and treats?but not offensive costumes, says one Ontario school board. Last week, the Conseil scolaire Viamonde, a public, French-language school board in central and southwest Ontario emailed parents a set of guidelines for this Halloween with some pointers on appropriate costume choices. Examples of outfits that shouldn?t be worn in their schools include anything that?s based on tragic moments in history (slaves, cowboys and Indians), represents a stereotype (such as an ?urban ghetto dweller?) or mocks transgender people. Cultural appropriation is also verboten?so kimonos should stay at home (unless you?re Japanese).
While some critics accuse the board of taking political correctness too far, board spokeswoman Claire Francouer says it?s just a matter of simple respect and making sure everyone feels comfortable. Noting that this is the second year board has provided the guidelines to parents, she adds that there wasn?t one particular incident that inspired or incited the list. ?The board, its teachers and employees, we sat together and said, ?Okay, what are our values, and how can we help people think about it.??
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Francouer notes that ...