‘Let our kids have fun.’ Gov. Murphy expresses disagreement with school’s decision to cancel Halloween events

The South Orange-Maplewood School District made the announcement earlier this month.

Matt Trapani

Oct 27, 2023, 2:30 AM

Updated 388 days ago

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Gov. Phil Murphy says he’s not a big fan of the South Orange-Maplewood School District’s announcement that no Halloween celebrations would take place during school hours this year.
The district made the announcement earlier this month. Officials said that doing away with costumes in school would further the district’s commitment to equity and inclusion among students.
“The district's change in practices helps ensure that all students and families are able to join together in celebrating the fall season with harvest festivals and other activities,” said district spokesman Paul Brubaker in a statement to News 12 New Jersey.
The governor expressed disagreement with the decision.
“Seriously? We can't let kids celebrate Halloween? Give me a break,” Murphy wrote on Twitter.
Murphy reiterated his thoughts on News 12’s “Ask Gov. Murphy program.
"I don't make light of the equity and inclusion issues that I think was somehow in their rationale, but please God, given the world that we're in right now, can we please just let our kids have fun?" the governor said.
School officials said that Halloween events can take place outside of school hours and that there could also be a fall or harvest event on or around Oct. 31 during school hours.