In a recent development, Wellesley High School in Massachusetts has decided to cancel its "USA Day" theme, originally scheduled as part of the school's Spirit Week.
The decision was made to prevent potential controversy and politicization, as reported by BOSTON 25 News.
The Spirit Week, leading up to the school's Thanksgiving Day football game, was intended to foster unity among students. The week's events included "Throwback Thursday" and "Wild West Wednesday," with students encouraged to dress in accordance with each day's theme. The "USA Day" theme was proposed by the school's Student Unification Program, which annually devises different themes for each day, according to FOX 25.
However, the administration decided against proceeding with the "USA Day" theme. Olivia Spagnuolo, a member of the Student Unification Program, told BOSTON 25, "The administration was not going to let this happen. They said it was not allowed because it separated people at school."In a letter to parents, Wellesley High School Principal Jamie Chisum elucidated the school's decision. He wrote, "[t]he 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 weekSpirit 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."
While the "USA Day" theme was canceled, students were still permitted to wear patriotic attire. The theme for Friday was changed to "Fitness Friday," BOSTON 25 reported.Principal Chisum acknowledged the unintended politicization of the event, stating, "We acknowledge that the impact for some people has been just the opposite of our intention and that we have inadvertently politicized this activity. I am definitely sorry for any negative effect this has had on kids and families."Despite the theme change, some students still chose to wear USA-themed attire on Friday. One parent expressed disappointment with the decision, telling FOX 25, "I think its absurd. I think its sad and depressing were at this state that celebrating the United States is political."
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