NJ elementary school cancels Halloween parties, cites diversity

MAPLEWOOD, NJ -- Officials at a northern New Jersey elementary school have canceled Halloween parties at the school this year, citing community diversity.

Parents whose children attend Seth Boyden Elementary School in Maplewood received a letter saying many different cultures are represented in the community and many students felt left out at past Halloween celebrations.

Principal Mark Quiles and two PTA co-presidents said about 20 percent of the student body didn't participate last year.

An attempt to cancel Seth Boyden's parties in 2014 sparked a community debate that ultimately led to reinstatement of the celebrations days prior to Halloween.

A school district spokeswoman says no Halloween parties were planned at the school this year, but the letter was sent to avoid confusion.

Here is the full text of the letter: