Despite attempts to spice up Sadie’s, this year’s Halloween theme has caused disputes among the student body.
Some religious students believe Halloween and the act of dressing up are blasphemous and therefore should not be themes for a school-sponsored dance.

Junior Muna Berhe said dressing up in a costume is out of the question.

“I take religion seriously, so dressing up on Halloween is against our culture,” she said. “It shows a lot of skin and you’re dressing up as something you’re not.”

Freshman Carter Schmelzle said he thinks the theme should not be a big issue, and suggested a solution.

“If the religion they choose forbids them from dressing up then they have to deal with that,” he said. “They can still go, they just don’t have to dress up.”

According to DECA adviser Sophia Ross, the theme was never intended to leave anyone out.

“We’re not celebrating what Halloween is about and you don’t have to dress up,” she said.

Ross also said even if students cannot participate in the theme, they should still attend the dance.

“We would never want to leave anyone out, that’s not the purpose of a school dance,” she said.

According to senior Aisha Mire, even though students are welcome to attend without wearing a costume, some would still feel excluded.

“It would be nice if they had two different themes for people who don’t celebrate the holiday,” she said. “There should be something they can wear without standing out.”

Along with the religious controversy, there is concern regarding whether costumes will be appropriate for a school dance.
Students will be expected to abide by the student handbook’s dress code guidelines.

Assistant principal Scott Meyers said if a costume is deemed to be inappropriate, the student will not be let in.

“If it’s considered revealing it’s not going to be allowed at the dance,” he said. “Students should plan accordingly to make sure their costumes will be appropriate.”

Students can check if their costumes would be admitted to the dance in the student office anytime prior to the dance.