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School Cancels Halloween, Will Celebrate 'Black And Orange' Spirit Day

WALPOLE (CBS) - The decorations are out and Halloween is two weeks away but there's controversy at Boyden Elementary School in Walpole. The school will not be having 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."

In a message to parents the school principal says, "…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 "Black and Orange" spirit day.

Parents WBZ-TV spoke with are not happy about the decision to cancel the parade.

"We have grand-kids going to Boyden School. Wonderful school," a grandmother of a 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 canceled Halloween events.

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