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Writer's pictureDelphian Newspaper

Cool or Creepy: The Case for and Against Costumes in Class

By Lara Campanella


“Spooky season” is ghosting through the halls of Adelphi. As our thermometers begin to drop and pumpkin spice lattes garner a spot in every hand, October unveils its tell-tale trademarks. This means only one thing: Halloween is approaching our campus community at full speed. With orange and black decor strung about the halls, students have just a few more weeks to create their costumes, raising the annual question for all Halloween-enthusiasts: Should I wear my costume to school this year? Adelphi students give their two-cents on the issue for Halloween 2022.


There’s no one version of Halloween for the average college student. In fact, one student’s celebration may mean scary movies in the lounge with a face full of candy, while another spends the weekend off-campus, clad in fashionable costumes with a packed-out party schedule.


“It's a regular day in my opinion,” said sophomore Darius Jones. “Except that people get to be really artistic with their appearances.”


No matter the variety of Halloween practices, one staple theme holds the holiday in place––it’s a day where dressing up in crazy costumes is completely socially acceptable.


Should we expect a variety of colorful costumes in class on Monday, October 31? It comes down to the Halloween “spirit” of our student body, who seem to range from unequivocal yeses to blatant opposition.


“Personally I would not wear a costume in class,” said junior Julia Gill. “I’d be a little embarrassed because in my classes, I would probably be the only one.”


Although Halloween should be an encouraging day for free self-expression, many students seem to hold reservations about taking the costume risk alone, often preferring a group-costume theme.


“I think it would be cool to see costumes on campus, especially if they’re from TV shows or movies that I know,” Gill continued. “I would wear one if my friends were doing it!” This seems to be a commonly-held sentiment.


Despite the general hesitation, students still share an enthusiasm for all things “spooky season,” even looking to encourage the community to wear their costumes in class. According to sophomore Olivia Reid, “Students should be able to dress up in class. Unless you’re wearing a Barney suit or something and your tail keeps hitting people…they’re just clothes.”


While an elaborate, full-makeup zombie costume might ruffle the everyday class environment, students defend their freedom of physical expression, but within a certain line of limits––like the weaponized Barney suit. A simple cat-ear headband or a pointed witch’s hat presents a festive “cheer” to our campus life, but there’s a definitive line between festive and blatantly inappropriate. “At least being covered is important for classes. Nothing too vulgar,” said sophomore Sydney Cianciotto. As long as students’ stay within the realm of class-friendly attire, Halloween should be a light-hearted free ground for creative choices.


“I’d hope no one would come to class naked as a ‘costume,’ but other than that I think pretty much anything is fair game,” Reid affirmed.


Overall, the Adelphi community supports the creative freedoms of fellow students on Halloween. Whether you wear an animal or a movie character, a solo or group costume, the day represents free expression and simple, seasonal fun. Consider bringing your own holiday cheer to school this Halloween. However, if your costume features a bloody third arm––maybe store that extra appendage in your dorm for after class.

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