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Halloween is a time to unwind and have fun, but it's also important to keep respect and safety top of mind.

As a diverse and inclusive campus community, it’s essential to be thoughtful in your costume choices. Cultural celebrations often include dressing in traditional and meaningful cultural attire, but it’s important to recognize there is a difference between celebrating culture and appropriating another’s culture. If you’re unsure if your costume could be interpreted as culturally offensive, please reflect on how it might impact fellow students and respect their lived experiences. 

Please review the following considerations when dressing in costume:

• Costumes that represent races, ethnicities or faiths outside of your own. People from marginalized communities and cultures often face discrimination, prejudice and hate because of their identities. Wearing markers of their identity temporarily, without having to endure their hardships, minimizes and dishonors their life experiences.
• Altering skin tone to depict the pigment of another race or ethnicity. “Blackface” has been a long-standing practice used with the intent of mocking and degrading people of color. Temporarily altering your skin pigment to match that of a marginalized race or ethnicity is widely viewed as offensive and harmful to various underrepresented communities.
• Wearing culturally significant or sacred attire. Clothing and attire are some of the most sacred cultural properties. Wearing them without understanding the history and value of these regalia disrespects the practices and values of these cultural groups.
• Depicting figures linked to harm or oppression. Some of our marginalized populations have histories of enduring a great deal of pain and suffering. Dressing as a historical figure who inflicted that harm on their people may re-traumatize members of our community.

Additionally, if you’re planning on heading out with friends, a few simple precautions can help make sure you stay safe while you’re out.

Here are a few ways to prioritize your safety:

• Stay together. Avoid walking alone at night; use the buddy system to ensure that someone is with you in case you need help. Take advantage of �ǿմ�ý's safety services, such as Safe Ride and the 24-hour walking escort services provided by Public Safety.
• Have a plan when you socialize. Think about where you plan to go, set boundaries for yourself and have a buddy system. If you are 21 or older and you plan to consume alcohol, make sure to drink responsibly. Do not attend social events without at least one friend you trust, and don’t let anyone in your group wander off or leave with someone they’ve just met.
• Use technology to your advantage, but stay aware of your surroundings. All are encouraged to download the Spartan Safe app to get easy access to critical safety resources. With this app, you can quickly contact Public Safety in emergencies, report suspicious activity and more. Technology can enhance your safety, but remember to always remain alert and able to recognize potential risks.
• Have emergency contacts ready. Make sure important numbers are saved in your phone, and consider setting up an “In case of Emergency” contact in your phone for first responders.
• Dress for the weather. Be sure to dress appropriately for the activities you will be engaged in. While the Northeast Ohio weather may still be fairly mild during the day, lower temperatures in the evenings can be compounded by wind and rain—make sure you’re prepared for changes in the weather while you’re out. As we look toward the winter months, be sure to have a heavy winter coat, gloves, hat and boots on hand.

Following these steps will help ensure that �ǿմ�ý continues to be a safe and inclusive campus. Thank you for taking the time to be mindful and respectful, and have a fun, safe Halloween!