Why can’t we wear Halloween costumes to school?

Halloween is a popular holiday that many people have used to express themselves and be creative while growing up. It is something fun and a way for everyone, especially teenagers, to be somebody else for a day.

Per Lakeview’s administration, students are not allowed to wear costumes on campus. Assistant Principal Linda Jones said that the point of not allowing costumes is to prevent interruptions during the school day, which is understandable, but could be resolved by placing strict guidelines on the hypothetical costumes.

“Maintaining consistent behavior is our hope,” Jones said. “Sometimes out-of-the-norm things cause kids to act a little crazier.”

According to Jones, costumes have been allowed in the past before Bailey became principal, but she and the administration agreed that it was not a practice they wanted to continue. It is easy to see her point of view on the matter, but in the minds of students, such as senior Hans Louis Dancel, it is unreasonable.

“We should be allowed to fully express ourselves on this day of fun,” Dancel said. “I would say the restrictions are unreasonable.”

On the other hand, some students, such as senior Timothy Kihneman, believe that the restrictions on costumes are necessary for the safety of the students and staff.

“If we can’t see someone’s face then it’s a safety issue,” Kihneman said. “That’s the only thing I can see wrong with it.”

It has been a common concept instilled in students from childhood that if one person messes up, the entire class will suffer. However, high school students are obviously more mature and would theoretically have a better capability of following the rules; administration should take this into consideration and give newer classes a chance.

Assistant Principal Dwight Lofton said that students do have the ability to make changes.

“The Principal’s Advisory Council could present it to Bailey and she could make the decision,” he said.

When students can be trusted to be responsible, then costumes might finally be allowed.