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Pennsylvania principal bans Halloween celebrations

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TOWAMENCIN TOWNSHIP, Pa., Oct. 9 (UPI) -- A Pennsylvania elementary school principal sent a letter to parents saying Halloween celebrations have been canceled due to "religious overtones."

Principal Orlando Taylor of Inglewood Elementary School in Towamencin Township sent the letter home Tuesday saying the school would not be holding any Halloween parades or parties for students, WPVI-TV, Philadelphia, reported Wednesday.

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"Some holidays, like Halloween, that some see as secular, are viewed by others as having religious overtones," Taylor wrote. "The district must always be mindful of the sensitivity of all the members of the community with regard to holidays and celebrations of a religious, cultural or secular nature. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that school districts may not endorse, prefer, favor, promote or advance any religious beliefs."

The letter said it is school district policy "to not sponsor or support the celebration of Halloween parades, Halloween parties, or dressing in Halloween costumes."

The school district calendar lists several upcoming Halloween events at other schools in the North Penn School District.

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