Halloween is on Friday, and we ask you to be intentional in your costume and celebration choices. Over the past few years a national discussion has begun about the different ways in which our society chooses to observe this holiday. As a diverse scholar community we are mindful of the different backgrounds of our students. It is all of our duties and responsibilities to make sure that all people, their heritage and experiences, are respected and appreciated rather than used as a form of entertainment. While we want you to have fun, we also want you to make sure that the fun you’re having is not at any particular group’s expense. When selecting your costume, ask yourself, could this costume promote negative stereotypes? When individuals wear costumes based on stereotypes of women, people of color, different ethnic backgrounds, culture, socio-economic status, or sexuality, it erodes community and makes people feel excluded, mocked, and unsafe. As a W.H. Thompson Scholar we hope you will join us in taking a stand to celebrate in ways that include rather than exclude. As always we hope you have a happy and safe holiday.
Dr. June Griffin, Faculty Coordinator
Ms. Kelli King, Director
Dr. Emira Ibrahimpasic, Assistant Director
Amy Fellhoelter, Assistant Program Coordinator
Malika Yadgarova, Assistant Program Coordinator
Kriston Burroughs, Assistant Program Coordinator
Kristen Upp, Assistant Program Coordinator