The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is getting roasted on social media again, this time for reconsidering its “spirit days” in an attempt to create “truly inclusive” spaces..Spirit days, as detailed by the district’s Maple Grove Public School, include anything from “awesome socks” days to Halloween costume days, hat days, and more..“In hearing from families, spirit days can be time consuming and challenging for many reasons. With the goal of creating truly inclusive spaces, there are additional reasons to reconsider the place of spirit days in a school year cycle,” reads a HDSB memo to staff..The board — which rose to international fame when a teacher within its district wore comically large prosthetic breasts — raised a plethora of concerns regarding spirit days going forward..For example, it cautions against using days that start with the word “crazy,” due to the “ableist” nature of the word..The board also highlights “red & white” days — the Canada flag colours — as problematic, as it may be a reminder of “ongoing settler colonialism.".Hair days supposedly create exclusion and provide opportunity for cultural appropriation and stereotyping..Twin days also create exclusion, according to the board, as it creates “hyper-awareness of difference.”.Students with "sensory sensitivities," students who are "non-neurotypical," and students with anxiety are also factored into the board’s call to reconsider spirit days..“Some students just don't want to participate and feel stigmatized for not doing so,” it reads.. “Some students will experience discrimination, racism, and or exclusion.”
