Wellesley High School faculty in the Boston, Massachusetts area put the kibosh on “USA Day” during its spirit week activities due to concerns that the theme was too political, as reported by Boston 25 News on Saturday.
According to the report:
“Spirit Week at Wellesley High is meant to unify the school ahead of their Thanksgiving football game. Students dress up and match each day’s theme.”
“Olivia Spagnuolo is a member of the school’s Student Unification Program. Each year, the group comes up with daily themes. Their ‘USA Day’ theme was quickly shut down.”
Jamie Chisum, the principal of the high school in Massachusetts, elaborated on the decision in a written statement:
“The high school Administration decided not to go forward with that spirit theme because it felt really different than the other themes kids came up with for the week. We felt that the topic has been politicized beyond our school and we wanted to avoid politics.”
“We’ve had Mismatch Monday, Tropical Tuesday, Western Wednesday, Team Jersey Thursday and today was Fitness Friday. Monday is Monochrome Monday and Tuesday is Pajama day. Spirit Week is intended to be a light and fun way for our students to get excited about our pep rally and Thanksgiving Day football game,” he continued.
“We acknowledge that the impact for some people has been just the opposite of our intention and that we have inadvertently politicized this activity,” Chisum added.
The principal wrapped up by expressing apologies for the criticism prompted by the decision.
“I am definitely sorry for any negative effect this has had on kids and families,” he said.
Despite the school’s stance, many students and parents wore pro-American attire on Friday.
“I think it’s sad and depressing we’re at this state that celebrating the United States is political,” an unnamed parent told Boston 25 News. “I think it’s absurd.”
WATCH:
Share your thoughts by scrolling down to leave a comment.
