Halloween Announcements

To members of the Northwestern Community:

The end of October is quickly approaching, and along with the falling leaves and cooler nights and Homecoming weekend come the Halloween celebrations on our campus and in our community. These celebrations provide opportunities for students to socialize as well as make positive contributions to our community and the Evanston community as a whole.

However, Halloween can also unfortunately be a time when the normal thoughtfulness and sensitivity of most NU students can be forgotten and some poor decisions can be made. Three years ago our community came together in a forum to talk about the fallout from some widely publicized Halloween costumes and the history behind ‘blackface’, and why many feel this is so offensive. Blackface, for those who do not know, or do not remember involves the darkening one’s skin with polish, paint or some other substance with the goal of impersonating a person of African descent—has been a recurring practice over the past several generations. Blackface costumes, particularly during Halloween are not isolated expressions. In fact, instances of blackface have often disrupted college campuses (e.g. “ghetto parties”, “pimps and hos” and “gangsta” parties etc.) all over the nation, and images of students parading in blackface are documented as far back as the early twentieth century.

The culturally unaware or insensitive choices people have made in the past, have not just been directed at one cultural group, but have often impacted religious beliefs, various ethnicities and gender expression including: Asians, Muslims, Hispanic/Latinos, Women, Christians, Native/First People etc.. In many cases, the student wearing the costume has not intended to offend, but their actions, lack of forethought or these “microaggressions” have sent a far greater message than any apology could after the fact…

This is a growing national concern on campuses everywhere, and we encourage students to take the time to consider their costumes and the impact it may have. Here at Northwestern, we have taken steps to encourage greater dialogue and understanding, as well as creating avenues for the university to become aware of issues of bias, so that some action may be taken. These include the establishment of an office for Campus Inclusion and Community, as well as the creation of RespectNU, as a site to report incidents of concern.
 
So, if you are planning to dress-up for Halloween, or will be attending any social gatherings planned for the weekend, please ask yourself these questions before deciding upon your costume choice:

• Could someone take offense with your costume and why?

• Wearing a funny costume? Is the humor based on “making fun” of real people, human traits or cultures?

• Wearing a historical costume? If this costume is meant to be historical, does it further misinformation or historical and cultural inaccuracies?

• Wearing a ‘cultural’ costume? Does this costume reduce cultural differences to jokes or stereotypes?

Northwestern is a community that values free expression as well as inclusivity. And while students, graduate and undergraduate, have the right to express themselves, we would hope that people would actively avoid those circumstances that threaten our sense of community or disrespects, alienates or ridicules segments of our population based on race, nationality, religious belief or gender expression.

We are oNe Northwestern, and the actions of one effect us all..., so in whatever fashion you choose to participate in Halloween activities, we encourage everyone to be safe and thoughtful during your celebration.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patricia Telles-Irvin - Vice President for Student Affairs