There’s rather a lot to like about spirit week. Pep rallies and trivia contests are nice actions to spotlight an vital occasion like homecoming whereas boosting scholar morale. Gown-up days can even construct college spirit, however some themes cross the road. When themes turn into inappropriate or exclusionary, they do the other of selling a way of belonging. Listed below are just a few theme days colleges 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” vogue. The issue is that most of the hairstyles in style on loopy hair day are cultural hairstyles for Black individuals. In deeming these kinds “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 overlook that Black ladies are disproportionately policed and disciplined for the way they put on their hair.
As an alternative, strive Pajama Day.
Twin Day
Inviting college students to decorate the identical as their greatest pal is a enjoyable thought in concept, 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 associate up with somebody with a purpose to take part, you’re going to go away out some kids. For college students who have already got outsider standing, this solely makes them really feel extra remoted. Twin Day can also be inhibitive for households on restricted incomes, because it normally entails a purchase order of one thing new.
As an alternative, strive Mismatch or Inside Out Day.
Women vs. Boys
Asking ladies to put on pink and boys to put on blue solely serves to bolster gender stereotypes. When college students internalize restricted concepts about gender, it restricts their decisions and their potential—from what they put on to the lessons they take. A gender struggle dress-up day additionally excludes college students who determine 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 an alternative, strive Class Colour Struggle.
Stoplight Day
A Louisiana center college got here underneath fireplace for this explicit spirit day, through which college students have been invited to put on inexperienced in the event that they have been single, purple if taken, and yellow for “it’s difficult.” There’s simply a lot flawed with this. First, we have to let youngsters be youngsters. They’ve sufficient occurring (particularly at center college age) with out added stress 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 an alternative, strive 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 propose 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 likely to be the impression on college students whose lived experiences are being mocked? As a rule of thumb, simply steer clear of identity-based spirit days.
As an alternative, strive Faculty Colours Day.
Gown Like a Pupil Day
As academics, we like to get in on the enjoyable of spirit days! I bear in mind doing a Instructor-Pupil Swap Day and being delighted to see youngsters are available fits or with lanyards and myself coming to highschool in a sassy Cat and Jack graphic tee like those favored by my 4th graders. But it surely form 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 able of authority over college students, and it feels an terrible lot like punching down. Dressing like college students can also be extremely problematic when it incorporates components of cultural heritage in a manner that’s appropriative and/or denigrating (e.g., a white trainer carrying a silk bonnet).
As an alternative, strive Something however a Backpack Day. (For academics, make it Something however a Briefcase or Instructor Bag Day.)
