Tufts University students who will wear Halloween costumes that are seen as offensive may be investigated by the campus police. This comes after the debate on trigger warnings and safe spaces in schools.
The College Fix reported that members of Tufts University's fraternities and sororities have been warned that they could face "serious disciplinary sanctions." This would include a possible investigation by the campus police if they wear Halloween costumes that offend their peers or make the campus community "feel threatened or unsafe."
The warning was part of a letter signed by several Greek Life council leaders. It was sent to the presidents of fraternities and sororities on campus. It was then relayed to chapter presidents who passed the message to their members.
"Greek Brothers and Sisters have worn costumes that appropriate cultures and reproduce stereotypes on race, gender, sexuality, immigrant or socioeconomic status," the letter stated. "Outfits relating to tragedy, controversy, or acts of violence are also inappropriate... It is our mission to promote spaces that allow members of the Tufts community to have fun without feeling as though any part of their identity is being misrepresented or targeted."
The range of response for students may include an investigation by the Tufts University Police. Afterwards, the school will deem disciplinary sanctions, depending on what the offense it and how it had an impact on others.
The letter also encouraged students to report if they "encountered someone who is wearing an inappropriate and offensive costume." The website is Tufts' "Incidents of Bias, Intolerance, Discrimination and/or Hate Reporting Form."
The University of Florida also recently announced that several resources have been made available to them if they feel offended by anything on Halloween. There will be a 7-day a week presence of the U Matter, We Care program at the school as well as a 24/7 counselor at the Counseling and Wellness Center.
Moreover, the Bias Education and Response Team is also available to respond to reported incidents of bias through educating those involved and providing support to those who are affected by the incidents.
