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Costumes from the popular Netflix series Squid Game have been eliminated from Halloween festivities at three different elementary schools in New York State.

Administrators from Mott Road Elementary, Fayetteville Elementary and Enders Road Elementary — all in suburban Syracuse — have said the violence and messaging depicted in the Korean-made drama do not align with their values and have not place at school.

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“Due to concerns about the potential violent nature of the game, it is inappropriate for recess play or discussion at school,” read a letter from Mott Road officials obtained by CNYCentral.com.

“Additionally, a Halloween costume from this show does not meet our school costume guidelines due to the potential violent message aligned with the costume.”

Schools in Ireland and Spain have also banned the ensembles, which typically consist of green track suits or red jumpsuits with mesh masks and various shapes over the face.

Still, some schools insist the uproar over Squid Game Halloween costumes is no big deal.

Dr. Joseph Ricca, superintendent of schools in White Plains, New York says nixing the costumes is a “slippery slope.”  Speaking to WCBS-TV he noted that pirates were historically violent outlaws.

“We understand that different types of costumes have different types of experience and historical connections, and it’s hard to single out one particular type of costume and say that’s not allowed,” Ricca said.

He is concerned, however, with school-aged kids mimicking the show.

“One of the things we’ve been hearing about in school districts all across the country, is children coming to school and playing squid games on the playground,” Ricca said. “It’s never appropriate to play at harming one another and that really is the guiding principle here.”

As of Wednesday morning, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District had not imposed any specific restrictions on costumes related to the show.

SMMUSD spokesperson Gail Pinsker said guidelines for costumes include:

* Costumes must not interfere with students going to the bathroom by themselves;
* Costumes must be comfortable;
* Application of any makeup must occur at home;
* Students must be identifiable. Masks are NOT permitted nor can students’ identities be disguised
* Costumes must be appropriate for ALL students, including our youngest students;
* Scary clown costumes are not permitted; (No scary / gory costumes.)
* No weapons of any sort, no blood, no revealing clothing;
* Shoes must be worn at all times;
* Props must not represent dangerous items (i.e., knives, guns, etc.) and must not be a distraction to others.
“Any costume not following the guidelines: Student may be provided loaner clothing (like PE clothes) to change, or parent may bring a change of clothes,” Pinsker said.

Squid Game is the most watched program in Netflix history and has been streamed in more than 111 million homes.

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Last Update: October 27, 2021

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