Theme Days Faculties Ought to Keep away from (and What To Do As a substitute)
There’s lots to like about spirit week. Pep rallies and trivia contests are nice actions to focus on an essential occasion like homecoming whereas boosting scholar morale. Gown-up days may construct faculty spirit, however some themes cross the road. When themes turn out to be inappropriate or exclusionary, they do the alternative of selling a way of belonging. Listed here are a number of theme days faculties ought to keep away from and why.
Loopy Hair Day
On Loopy Hair Day, college students are typically invited to put on their hair in a “wild” or “wacky” trend. The issue is that most of the hairstyles standard on loopy hair day are cultural hairstyles for Black individuals. In deeming these types “loopy,” we ship the message that there’s one thing flawed with them. It’s a microaggression, nevertheless it’s additionally a part of the hidden curriculum that makes whiteness the norm. And let’s not neglect that Black ladies are disproportionately policed and disciplined for the way they put on their hair.
As a substitute, attempt Pajama Day.
Twin Day
Inviting college students to decorate the identical as their greatest pal is a enjoyable thought in idea, however in apply, it’s problematic. The entire level of spirit week is to make each scholar really feel like they’re a part of the college. However when your theme day asks college students to accomplice up with somebody as a way to take part, you’re going to depart out some youngsters. For college students who have already got outsider standing, this solely makes them really feel extra remoted. Twin Day can be inhibitive for households on restricted incomes, because it often includes a purchase order of one thing new.
As a substitute, attempt Mismatch or Inside Out Day.
Women vs. Boys
Asking ladies to put on pink and boys to put on blue solely serves to strengthen gender stereotypes. When college students internalize restricted concepts about gender, it restricts their decisions and their potential—from what they put on to the courses they take. A gender warfare dress-up day additionally excludes college students who establish as non-binary and might trigger issues for transgender college students. It could actually additionally result in bullying as a result of it reinforces norms that don’t permit for expression exterior the “boy/lady” field.
As a substitute, attempt Class Shade Battle.
Stoplight Day
A Louisiana center faculty got here underneath fireplace for this explicit spirit day, by which college students have been invited to put on inexperienced in the event that they have been single, crimson if taken, and yellow for “it’s difficult.” There’s simply a lot flawed with this. First, we have to let children be children. They’ve sufficient happening (particularly at center faculty age) with out added strain to broadcast their relationship standing—in the event that they even have one. Stoplight Day tells susceptible youth that their price is outlined by whether or not or not they’ve a major different. Not OK.
As a substitute, attempt Profession Day.
Hobo Day/Thug Day/Redneck Day
Any theme day that invitations college students to make enjoyable of another person’s id is unacceptable. Earlier than you intend a theme day, take into consideration the message you’re sending. Does it encourage college students to make use of cultures as costumes? Will their decisions perpetuate stereotypes? What is perhaps the impression on college students whose lived experiences are being mocked? As a rule of thumb, simply keep away from identity-based spirit days.
As a substitute, attempt Faculty Colours Day.
Gown Like a Pupil Day
As lecturers, we like to get in on the enjoyable of spirit days! I keep in mind doing a Instructor-Pupil Swap Day and being delighted to see children are available in fits or with lanyards and myself coming to high school in a sassy Cat and Jack graphic tee like those favored by my 4th graders. However it type of offers me the ick now. Like, it would really feel humorous to stroll round in a hoodie, consuming Takis, and saying “Bruh,” however we’re ready of authority over college students, and it feels an terrible lot like punching down. Dressing like college students can be extremely problematic when it incorporates parts of cultural heritage in a manner that’s appropriative and/or denigrating (e.g., a white instructor carrying a silk bonnet).
As a substitute, attempt Something however a Backpack Day. (For lecturers, make it Something however a Briefcase or Instructor Bag Day.)
