Monday is Halloween, and while this is a holiday that many families celebrate and enjoy, we would like to remind everyone that we will not wear costumes to school and candy should stay home. We hope everyone that celebrates has a spooky time.

If you choose to wear costumes for your own personal celebrations outside of school, please mindful when choosing a costume and remember keep in mind cultures are not costumes.

Cultures, not costumes

**5 Questions to Consider:**
1. To What Ethnic/Racial/Cultural Group Does the Practice or Artifact Belong?
2. How Is the Group that the Practice or Artifact Belongs to Oppressed?
3. Do You Benefit from Doing This? How?
4. Why Might It Make Someone Uncomfortable?
5. What Makes It Possible for You to Engage with this Practice, Tradition, or Material?
(How did you come to acquire the artifact or elements of the practice?)

Some think dressing up in certain aspects of a race, culture or religion for one night is harmless, however, it commodifies those cultures, races, and religions, offending those whose lives are being commodified.

Remember to be mindful and remind your students that cultures are not costumes.
For more on the “My Culture Is Not a Costume” campaign, visit Ohio.edu | culture, not a costume