Respecting Our Community During Halloween

Halloween is quickly approaching, and as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of all members of our community, it is important to remember what respect looks like when celebrating this holiday.

Of course, it is vital that our students and employees keep making the right decisions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 — wearing a mask, staying six feet apart, completing the daily screening and washing your hands.

But, we must also remember that this holiday is not an opportunity perpetuate cultural stereotypes by using someone’s culture as a costume.

We are a community of different backgrounds and ideas, and our pursuit of a more inclusive campus cannot be limited to only when it’s convenient for us. This is ongoing work that must be implemented into all facets of who we are as individuals and as an institution, including our actions surrounding holidays.

There are many opportunities to be creative and unique for Halloween. We need to make sure to use them to enjoy ourselves while still respecting our friends and neighbors – it is the least we can do to make sure everyone at UK feels safe and welcome.

And, it further emphasizes an idea we have known all along: that this is a community that cares.