BY BOB BOSWELL AND DEB COFFIN
Earlier this week, Chancellor DiStefano, in his State of the Campus address, asked each and every member of the campus community to 鈥渃onsider every day how we can influence the culture of this campus in a positive manner.鈥� In keeping with this, as Halloween approaches and we think about how to celebrate the holiday, take a minute to think about the impact your costume may have.
Each year people knowingly or unknowingly dress up in costumes that can be hurtful and perpetuate negative cultural stereotypes. For the second year, the campus is participating in the 鈥淲e鈥檙e a culture, not a costume鈥� campaign, which reminds us that costumes can negatively impact people and cultures that are valued members of our community.
Some of you may wonder why this is such a big deal to the university?听
The goal of CU-Boulder this Halloween, and every day as the chancellor reminded us, is to support the success of all students and create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued at CU-Boulder.
So this Halloween, if you are planning to celebrate by dressing up in a costume, consider the impact your decision might have on others.听
Remember, we are all CU! So this Halloween . . .
Be imaginative. Be aware. Be considerate.
Be Boulder.
Thank you.
听
Bob Boswell is the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement, and Deb Coffin is the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.听