Should Certain Halloween Costumes be Banned?

What’s the story?

• Costumes based on Netflix’s hit series “Squid Game” will not be allowed at three elementary schools in New York state, who say the show glorifies violence and would be “inappropriate.” 
• While the costumes are generally suitable for any age to wear - usually red jumpsuits with a hood and black mask, numbered green tracksuits, or a yellow shirt and orange dress - the show they are based on is rated “M” for mature content including extreme violence and gore. 

What they’re saying

• The school district has policies that restrict costumes with items “that can be interpreted as weapons” or are “too gory or scary." 
• The district superintendent cited past instances of students reenacting games from the show, where adults play children's games for money and the losers are killed. They worry that the costumes could further encourage “games associated with violent behavior."
• Some parents have spoken out against the ban, with one calling it “overbearing."
• A superintendent in nearby White Plains has said “Squid Game” costumes will not be banned in their schools but that the bigger issue is children mimicking the show and potentially harming one another.

What do you think?

Do you think schools have gone too far? Should Halloween costumes that might be associated with violent messaging be banned for younger children?

-Casey Dawson