“We believe it is important, moving forward, that we implement a consistent approach that is respectful and inclusive of all families, Taylor\u00a0(pictured)<\/em> wrote. He’s concerned that Halloween may lead to<\/p>\n District spokesman Paul Brubaker added<\/a> \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Taylor did note that Halloween-related activities can take place after normal school hours.<\/p>\n South Orange-Maplewood School Board President Kaitlin Wittleder this past week issued a statement<\/a> clarifying that Taylor’s decision “was an administrative choice” and had nothing to do with the board.<\/p>\n MORE:<\/strong> University threatens to investigate students for Halloween parties that \u2018reinforce stereotypes\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n “The Board […] did not cast any vote related to this decision,” Wittleder wrote. “The Administration deemed it fit, based on various reasons, which they have previously stated, to make this move without a formal voting process.”<\/p>\n In a statement posted on X<\/a> (formerly Twitter), progressive New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said “Seriously? We can’t let kids celebrate Halloween? Give me a break.”<\/p>\n Seriously? We can't let kids celebrate Halloween? Give me a break https:\/\/t.co\/BQiezE5OoZ<\/a><\/p>\n — Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 24, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n![\"Dr](\"https:\/\/www.somsd.k12.nj.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Dr-Ronald-Taylor-Superintendent-Appointment-April-2019-200x300.jpg\")
— “indirect and unintentional financial hardships” for students and their families,
\n— a “violation” of students’ cultural and religious “dignity,”
\n— “tensions with the [district’s] equity and access values.”<\/p>\n\n