What Is Your Reaction to These Teachers’ Halloween Costumes Depicting Mexican Stereotypes and a Border Wall?

I am quite appalled that people would go so low as to dress up as a racially sensitive concept for Halloween, especially as they are teachers at an ELEMENTARY school. Technically this is legal, but these teachers are supposed to be role models for young children. We are all given rights as citizens, but they were meant to help each other, not to hurt each other. They are not meant to be abused while feeding children propaganda, they are meant to teach those children that in this country everyone is treated equally. These children have been racially embarrased in front of the country, which is truly one of the effects of rights being taken advantage of. In fact, 13% of the school’s students are Hispanic, meaning that at least all of those people got offended. However, it doesn’t look like everybody was offended. Now, this incident has gone viral, and there is a petition circulating with 15,000 signatures to support the teachers. I do not understand why anybody would like these teachers, and I definitely do not know why 15,000 people support them. On a brighter note, there has been a petition going around recently supporting the no hate cause for Middleton school district, and it has gained 12,000 signatures and counting. There are many immigrant rights groups in Idaho, and Beth Almanza, a leader in one of them calls this event “disheartening” and “heartbreaking.” Hopefully, the staff will realize that this wasn’t right, and that they need to change, for the better.

School is a place where people discuss ideas and share their views on many things, but politics shouldn’t be one of them. Discussing politics can bring lots of judging and arguing, which is especially unhealthy for schools. Politics is something that people can get intense about, and because of this, it leads to anger upon one another. Many people even see their political views as facts. This is why people believe only what they think is right."Instead of seeing our multitude of judgments as a perception or as a lens we put on situations, we see it as a truth. By doing this we subliminally create a separation and a lack of acceptance of others beliefs,” says Rubin Khoddam PhD. People also become very stubborn when talking about politics. A study was conducted on why people are so stubborn when it comes to politics. According to the study, there would be more suspicion of the counter-evidence when more amygdala activity (part of brain that deals with emotions) was present (Jonas Kaplan). People might also change their behavior to others depending on if they agree or disagree on some political issue. Politics is something that everyone will have different views on, and judging others because of them is unfair. Many people believe that politics should be discussed in school because they believe educating kids on politics is beneficial. Basically, if politics isn’t brought up at school, people would be happier and school would be a more welcoming place.

School is a great place for kids to learn facts and learn the essential life skills to succeed as a citizen of the United States. This is why I believe that teachers should never talk about their political views in front of students. Political views have long been a controversial part of our history. It’s because all of us have different opinions on what the government should do and don’t think teachers shouldn’t have a say in what a child thinks about their country. If a teacher, who was a neo-nazi, told a child that hitler was killed as a martyr, then the kid would believe it and it would be hard to change his mind because a teacher, who had been feeding him important information, told him that, he would just believe it and could commit a serious crime because of that one teacher. There was a recent study done in ethiopia and it showed that more than 56 percent of the teacher population said that they would hate their job if they had to talk about politics at school because of the other teachers talking about their political views. School is simply not meant to handle politics and teachers are the people that make presidents, doctors, and lawyers into who they are today. This has been long discussed about, from wearing an armband protesting the Vietnam war to writing on their facebook about their student’s political views. However, we should stop doing meaningless arguing and just say no to talking about politics at school.

This group costume idea could be viewed to be extremely offensive whether it was ironic or not. I understand that it was a Halloween costumes, but wearing it at an Elementary School is inappropriate. I would understand where the faculty that had participated in this costume found it “funny”, but this topic is very controversial and widely-known. This costume was based on President Trump's campaign against illegal immigrants and the division of Mexican immigrants and White Trump supporters. The cardboard wall and the sign “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” that's been plastered on it is Trump's’ “political slogan”, which could make people assume that the faculty of this elementary school are supporters towards “building the wall” and “Making America Great Again”, which could leave people assuming. I believe that teachers should not express their political viewings at school, as their students could have a completely different political viewing. The Teachers wearing sombreros, mustaches, ponchos, maracas; could be mistaken as “mocking” and stereotyping others.

To judge these actions political opinions should be put aside, much like they should be by teachers at work. It is inappropriate to behave the way these teachers did, and one does not need to be pro-immigration to see that. The border wall debate is a sensitive issue that if discussed in school should be handled with caution. This was one unfortunate case for the students of that school, but it leads into a deeper discourse about politics in education. Legally, the matter is very unregulated. Policies vary between districts, and even the ruling in the supreme court case Pickering v. Board of Education is quite vague. In general, it was said a balance should be struck between employees’ rights to freedom of speech, and the employer’s control over their employees for the good of the institution. (Source - Marquette University Law) I feel like this leaves too much room for interpretation by schools and teachers. Political discussions done appropriately should engage children, creating a narrative that can be used in the classroom. By mocking others and showing only one side of the issue, these teachers were rude and reckless. The bottom line for me is that boundaries need to be made and legal lines need to be drawn so teachers know what to do and not do involving politics in school. We need distinct, national rulings that create a safe space within our education system so our youngest citizens can grow up informed, ready to create their own opinions and advance our society.

Should these teachers have dressed up that way? Well they should not have. They were completely racist in the ways they displayed it. They also did it as teachers. As a student I dont look up to my teachers but I use to. If these teachers were for younger kids they could have made a huge impact on those kids. Firstly thinking thats the way Mexicans are and second off that we should not associate with them and we should seperate them from us. I do believe that the wall is not a bad idea and that we should stop the illegal people from coming into the U.S.A. But that does not mean that we have to show that and especially to maybe younger kids. They could have went to a no kids party like that or for halloween in general(they have there rights). But in the photo it looks like they are in a school! They should not dress that way in a suppose to be safe place for kids. If you were Mexican and you saw these teachers you would take total offense. So lets say you are white and lets go with a common Italian bias(Do not want to offend anyone, just in the context of this comment). If your Italian let me say, "ooh mooozerellaaaa on my nice fresh Italian bakery oven". That probably offended a lot of people reading this or people in genral(again im sorry). Thats the way that Mexicans who saw these photos probably felt. They felt mentally abused and hurt and thought about how thats not how they really are and what if people thought of them actually like that.

I think that we shouldn’t limit what people wear. I think there is a different standard for teachers in school but out of school I don’t think it’s a big deal. I think it will be negatively viewed but I hope eventually that people will learn to take a joke and just laugh instead of getting all butthurt. I think people cave in to social pressure too much. Doyne quoted the superintendent saying, “deeply troubled by the decision by our staff members to wear those costumes that are clearly insensitive and inappropriate,” (Doyne, 2018, para. 6). People give in to social justice and lose a part of their first amendment right and usually their humor as well. I think we need to stop looking for things to be offended by and just laugh more. Can’t we just all offend each other freely and not care.

These are teachers at a public school. Their job extends beyond educating their students. They bear the responsibility of cultivating an environment in which their students can learn and grow, unaffected by their teacher's personal beliefs. Given today's current political climate, it's difficult to see how this could be anything but a political statement. This would not be a valid topic of discussion if they had done this privately, but they chose to deliver their message by costume in a school. Teachers bringing politics into schools is in no way fostering coexistence and coming together despite differences, which is an idea I think we can agree is one a school, especially an elementary school, should be encouraging. As teachers, they should have exercised their better judgement and reminded themselves of this. Rules guidelining school appropriate Halloween costumes should not have to be instated to enforce a value they as educators should already be constantly conscious of.

I think the teachers didn't mean to offend anyone especially not the student but the idea of dressing up in politically offensive costumes for Halloween to wear to school is wrong. I feel that especially with elementary school kids they look up to and learn from teachers, they should be setting the right example.

For elementary school children going trick-or-treating to dress up in Sombreros and mustaches is one thing; for teachers in an elementary school to do so, and pair it with a border wall, is quite another. Having said that, I do not believe that Halloween costumes should be regulated. The point of Halloween costumes is to invite creativity, and so to put rules or limits on them is contrary. It should simply have been up to the school staff and administration to use their judgement, responsibility, and sensitivity to pick out a less offensive theme. And it is now up to the school administration to ensure that those teachers who participated are held accountable for their disrespectful actions. It is also important when looking at this situation to remember that these adults are teachers at a public school. They are not adults at a private party, which would have been a different case entirely. These teachers have the power to influence the entire community at Middleton, and with that power, comes great responsibility. Because much of the Middleton community is Hispanic, many students of color will now have witnessed their teachers, their should-be-role-models, appropriating and mocking a culture simply because it did not originate in America—and that is a lesson they can never unlearn.

I feel that what the teachers did in dressing up in politically offensive outfits during halloween at an elementary school was so wrong. I feel that especially with elementary school kids that you need to be setting the right example as the teacher and if you cannot do that yourself then maybe that is not the best job for you. “The two photos were among several costume pictures posted to the school district’s Facebook page before being taken down.” After seeing that they posted this on the schools district page, I felt even worse because now they not only made themselves look bad, but the whole district look bad. One of the most important things with elementary school si setting a good example and if the teachers are dressing up in a very controversial, political idea, then they should have to pay the consequences. I think the teachers were trying to be funny in what they were wearing but it was not a funny joke it was disrespectful. I feel that if they thought they made a political statement, they did, but not in their favor.

When I first saw the picture I was surprised that elementary teachers dressed up as one of America's most sensitive topic. They seemed happy with smiles on their faces, but in my opinion they should be ashamed. They are elementary teachers dressing up as a stereotype that is offensive to minorities. One of America’s most controversial today is the debate over president Trump’s plan to tighten immigration laws. I think peoples culture and struggles should not be turned into a Halloween costume; basically belittling their life and misfortune. I do not think this costume idea would not be appropriate for anyone; nonetheless teachers. Part of a teacher’s job is to be a role model for young children and not be biased in the classroom. Dressing up with a group of fellow teachers that overall displays a political or possibly disrespectful statement does not convey a good message to students. I believe no matter what your political views there is no excuse to display them in public having a negative connotation about a group of people. There’s a line of a good costume and then be plain disrespectful. I think everyone should give thought about how he or she wants to be perceived before he or she choose their costumes. If there’s the slightest chance you think someone would be offended by your choice or it could disrespect a group of people you should not wear it. I think teachers should be allowed to wear appropriate costumes, but not one that makes a political statement.

My initial reaction to the photo was a little surprise, but also not an overreaction because, after all the teachers looked like they were just having fun. But I was somewhat surprised due to the fact that these are teachers, elementary school teachers and staff. They should’ve had a much better judgment and understanding of how our world views occurrences like these, every slightest error you make can be embarrassing and costly for the rest of your life. I’m a foreigner myself in this country, and I experience the positives and negatives of being a foreigner. I remember going to the first day of school in kindergarten and the first person that I met (who has become one of my best friends) asked, “How can you see?” Throughout my school years and even now, although it has toned down a bit as people know me more, I was constantly battered with questions and comments on my foreign appearance, ideas, and cultures, just your typical stereotypes. However, there were never any insults. This is America, it’s a free country, people do what they want to do. And so people should be able to do wear whatever costume they want to wear, especially on a holiday. However, I do understand why some people might be angry and I do think their anger is justified. I hope this event doesn’t cause more tense or distant relations between different races. I really just hope that one day, all ethnicities can come together and live in harmony, and that occurrences like this, won’t have any effect.

I find these costumes and the actions of the teachers behind them highly offensive and inappropriate. The outfits, even at first glance, are centered around an inflammatory statement about politics and race. These two topics are highly controversial and, if one has good intentions, shouldn't be handled with blatant disrespect (especially in school). The wall is a symbol of Trump's campaign against illegal immigration, and, allegorically, the divide in our society between Mexican immigrants and white Trump supporters. The unmistakable slogan of one contentious political campaign, "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN," is emblazoned on the wall, and presented by patriotic characters in a clear message of our country's support. The other group of teachers bear cheap sombreros, mustaches, ponchos, a pinata, and plastic maracas - the complete regalia of every Mexican caricature. This motif, whether ironic or not, mocks the struggle of Mexican-Americans in a racist political climate. The teachers were especially misguided in wearing their costumes to an elementary school. In educational settings, teachers are discouraged from discussing politics and everyone's dress- especially on Halloween- is regulated. While offensive costumes can't be limited in public (though the distasteful ones will certainly be looked upon with disgust), there's no reason they shouldn't be in schools. Students shouldn't have to watch their mentors revel in derogatory "jokes."

I do believe the teachers did not mean for the costumes to be offensive but still, it was incredibly inappropriate especially for a elementary school. Imagine being in elementary school and seeing your teacher dressed up in costume like this, it may be a joke but other kids in your classroom are looking at the costume realizing that it must be okay because if their teacher is doing it why shouldn't they. Also a teacher should have the common sense to think maybe this costume could send the wrong message to a group of younger kids, but they did not think leading to a insensitive lapse in judgement. Then they go on to post it to the school districts Facebook page, making now not only the look bad but the entire district. I hope in the future they learn from their mistakes and next time look closer on how their actions may impact kids.

I think the teacher’s choice to dress up as the Mexican border wall proposed by president Trump was not unjust like most people would probably view it. I find it quite humorous since this is one of the most popular political topics discussed since president Trump has shared this idea. The building of this wall has been joked about by many people and is seen as mostly a meme itself. I think the teacher’s intentions were not meant to be seen in any negative perspective and was meant to simply be another way of expressing the meme or joke of building the wall. I don’t believe their costume should represent them as people negatively since it seems to be just a joke and a lot of people are becoming too sensitive to humorful jokes that poke fun at these political issues.

The irony of people appropriating a sacred Celtic ceremony, Samhain, and, ignorant of Celtic culture, trying to make it fit their politics and prejudices. Halloween is about the corporeal and has nothing to do with political correctness. Disguise yourself any way you want the night of Samhain. Oíche Shamhna Shona Daoibh.

I believe that Halloween is a day to express yourself and dress up in a way that you desire. The way that the teachers dressed up to depict Mexicans and the border wall was offensive, but again it is their choice. In an educational society, the children are supposed to feel welcome and not discriminated against and this might just change the students feelings. This should not be like this. To be honest, I feel that the teachers should be able to be free to dress up with whatever costume they want to wear, but they should take the time to acknowledge the negative affects on their students and the environment. Do they want parents and others to think of teachers who are supposed to make their children feel comfortable and teach them are biased? No, but they showed their true colors, and next time they should make the right decision.

I think people need to calm down. There is nothing wrong with any of these costumes for the precise reason that IT IS A JOKE. If you don't find the joke funny, don't start complaining about it. You get comedians every day who lambast our president and his family with insults, who is the best president in my 14 year life, and are considered funny for it. However, one joke made about some minority group is instantly deemed racist, offensive, and you deserve to have your life ruined for it. There is no free speech in this country for non-minorities because everyone is an easily offended little baby. People who find this offensive are going to live sad meaningless lives because you can't survive in the real world getting offended by everything. These teachers didn't do anything wrong, they just decided that they were going to have a fun Halloween. People often make light of things in Halloween costumes. Should the Korean people in mt school be offended by the Chinese boy who dressed up as Kim Jong Un? Should I, as a white Trump supporter, be offended by the Indian classmate who dressed up as Trump? Can someone please explain the justification for this double standard to me?

When I first saw this article I thought that was a clever idea. Halloween is one day out of the year to dress up and have fun. I could see how in a school environment it could be offensive to a few individuals, but it could also be a valuable learning experience to others. This is not a valid reason to be taking away teachers jobs, kids need to learn about what is happening in America. Our teachers shouldn't have to limit our knowledge because of someones hurt feelings. Today most parents are way to sensitive to their kids. We need to learn some how. Also, the kids in the pictures seem to be having a good time. This is not risking their lives.

Always breaks my heart, to see people lose their jobs over seemingly harmless behavior, but racism in all its manifestations is not harmless, at all. More harmful, however, is that the president is promoting racism all across the nation with impunity. Racism is, was and will always be a crime against humanity, and our diverse society will pay dearly for this abomination.

I truly do not know what to say to this. I think that Halloween is a holiday to dress up like a character or something that you are not, like a princess, wizard, or lion. My first reaction to this costume is that cultures are not a costume. Dressing in Mexican stereotypes is incredibly offensive no matter who you are. Also, Halloween is not the time to share political opinions. Though I am never a fan of discussing polotics, Halloween is surely not the place. Unfortunately, I do think that the severity of the situation increases when you look at the fact that these people were elementary school teachers. These people are shaping the views of our children, and today they taught them that cultural appropriation was okay and that halloween is the place to share your political opinions. Not what I would want my kid to be learning in school.

While I believe Halloween can be a lighthearted escape from the norm, individuals in a public setting should not dress in a culturally offensive or intentionally controversial manner as this can only lead to strife and bolstered stereotypes. Halloween can be a valuable time, especially for kids who wish to dress as a role model or an admirable Disney character, but when people like the faculty of the Middleton school described in the article abuse this playful holiday, they often don’t consider the insensitive messages they could send. Consider Blackface, an example of provocative costuming resulting in conflict, where on numerous occasions people painting their faces black were struck with backlash for insensitivity; even Snapchat faced reprisal when releasing a Bob Marley face filter that would make users appear dark-skinned with dreadlocks. Blackface often only results in dissension and controversy, similar to racist and culturally callous costumes on Halloween. While their intentions may have been harmless when developing their border wall costume, moving forward, the school faculty -- and anyone dressing up for Halloween -- should evaluate their costumes and determine whether they would offend someone racially or culturally (limitations for costumes). Applying these thoughts when preparing for Halloween could prevent the holiday from being undermined by provocative costumes, and perhaps Halloween could be an enjoyable, spooky, and socially acceptable day for everyone.

I think that the teachers should get fired because that this is very racist and very bad for our society these days people. I wonder what the teachers say when the student ask what they are for Halloween. I think that they are Donald trump supporters, because the poster says make america great again. If I were a student or a Hispanic student I would hate my school for allowing them to wear those costumes, and I would hate my teachers. I think that there should be limits to wearing a school costume, I think the limits should not be any offending things to wear. I think that the teachers that were involved with this stereotypical act should be indicted and should be punished because that is very offending to people.

After reading this editorial, I think that the teachers costumes completely unacceptable. The fact that teachers of our future leaders wear such racist and discriminatory costumes to school is disgusting. Kids should be learning to be accepting, not to exile. I don't know if people in their community are justified in anger because there are no limits to them being angry. Although there should not be limits because we cannot force people to wear certain things. But, everyone has the right to shame or criticize those people. My answer still stands that even if they are going to a costume party, it does not matter. Say a Hispanic person was at the party, they would be greatly offended.

I think there should be limits to what people can wear for Halloween because some items are controversial and sensible to some people. For example, dressing up with a sombrero or has part of a wall may seem funny to some people, but to others it may seem stereotypical and racist. I am deeply offended by the teachers' behavior for the reasons above. If the teachers were racist and believed in a zero-immigration policy, the anger in their community is justified. I would understand if they only dressed up in traditional Mexican costumes as they are very colorful, but they also dressed as the wall that President Trump is proposing with his slogan on it, Make America Great Again. This shows that the teachers were trying to send some kind of message, most probably that they stand by Trump's inaccurate and racist view on immigrants. I think that these teachers and faculty should be fired. The point of being a teacher is to help children, no matter what race or gender, to succeed in life. Not only have these teachers not succeeded in their jobs, but they have succeeded in intimidating Latin American children who deserve a right to have their education peacefully as any American child.

I don't believe there should be limits as to what people can wear as Halloween costumes because it is only one day per year, and that is also the day you can be and wear practically anything.

I think people should have their own rights, and be able to wear whatever they like for halloween (including teachers and students). However, wearing something as insensitive as this should not be allowed in a educational environment, especially when those wearing it are supposed to be an example for the next generation. This was an extremely sensitive topic, and my condolences to all those who were hurt by the actions of the educators. I think those who are disturbed by this event are able to completely justify their actions and anger, and I would be just as upset as well.

I believe that their costumes were controversial and that they shouldn't have worn them at a school, but otherwise, I feel that their costumes were fine.

There should not be limits for what people wear as their Halloween costume. People should wear what they want to wear. However, Halloween is a nice day where children go trick-or-treating, and should not be protests. Wearing political costumes during Halloween is just a ridiculous thing to do. And wearing the costume to school as a teacher is horrible. Children can get upset by this, and many people can get offended. Why can't we just wear something scary or funny, which is what Halloween is intended for? I believe we are ruining the holiday.

I can't say I agree with these teachers' costumes, however, I also don't exactly think it's fair to limit what people wear on Halloween. Now, is the border wall costume inappropriate for a school environment? Absolutely. Maybe there weren't bad intentions behind the "Mexican" costumes, as they didn't seem to be dressed like thieves, but to wear the equivalent of racist propaganda that deals with one of the most controversial issues of the Trump administration, right before midterm elections, in an elementary school - that is not okay. It's true that, as Americans, the teachers in question have freedom of expression, but they could have at least put some thought into what they wear in front of their young students. However, all of this being said, Idaho is a pretty red state, so I doubt that this incident will change much in terms of the midterm elections in Idaho, however, it could have a more profound effect in other parts of the country.

I believe that there should be no limit to what people can wear as Halloween costumes. We can express ourself in many different ways. As racist as the costumes might have been, as long as it does not provoke violence or lawlessness, then it is protected by the First Amendment. However, people should be able to express themselves without offending others. Of course my answer changes if it is teachers. Adults should know the boundaries for what is racist and what is not. I am not Mexican or any other race that I could take offense, but I still am hurt as this proves that this incident could happen to any race. All in all, teachers should not be racist in front of their students because students learn by watching adults.

I believe that there should be no limit to what people can wear as Halloween costumes. We live in a free country, and if people want to wear certain things, go ahead. Although, because it is a free country, people reserve the right to judge you for your possibly poor decisions. Therefore, we can draw two things from this: (1 God bless America, and (2, wear whatever you want, it's a free country, just don't be a moron.

— Do you think there should be limits to what people can wear as Halloween costumes? If so, how do you define those limits? Why do you define them as you do? No, because it is people's freedom to wear what they want to. — Does your answer change when the people in question are teachers dressing up for a school costume party? Why or why not? Yes, because in public people can wear what they want, but that doesn’t mean they won’t experience some defamation if you do it. In schools it is unacceptable it will influence students badly. — Are you offended by the teachers’ costumes or the theme they chose to represent? Do you think people in their community are justified in their anger? Yes, because they think it is ok to dress up in racist costumes in an elementary school. — What punishment, if any, do you think the people involved in the “border wall” themed Halloween costumes should receive? I think they should be not allowed to wear costumes in school without the principle knowing what it is. — Do you think this incident has the power to negatively affect race relations in Idaho and elsewhere? Do you think it may lead to positive outcomes? Explain your stance. I think only negative outcomes can come from this like other schools participating in this.

After reading the article, 'What Is Your Reaction To These Teachers' Halloween Costumes Depicting Mexican Stereotypes And A Border Wall' I think that this is ridiculous. The people that are supposed to be teaching our future leaders made this poor of a decision. I definitely think that there should be limits to what people can wear on Halloween, and the teachers at this school have passed the limit. The type of theme shouldn't be allowed anywhere, especially not at school, it's just racist. I am offended by this, and people in their community have every right to be angry. Jon Yorgason, whose children attend the school where the costume party occurred said he draws a line between dressing up as another culture and depicting a border wall, because the wall is one of the country's most sensitive and contentious political issues. I completely agree with this and think that what they did is just wrong.

if you have to set up rules and regulations because stuff like this happens, that’s a terrible sign. these people clearly do not have the morals to teach.