Hello Bearcats and Sloths,
With Halloween close upon us, we encourage you to make thoughtful decisions for how you choose to participate in all things spooky-ooky. Here are some tips to ensure a safe weekend:
Alcohol
Avoid high-risk behaviors regarding alcohol and remember to support those who make decisions not to drink. Remember that different bodies process alcohol differently based on a variety of factors, including size, medications, and mixing of substances. Additionally:
- Pace your drinking to one drink or less per hour
- Avoid shots or drinks with higher alcohol content
- Sip your drink; don’t chug or slam a drink, especially by playing drinking games
- Drink plenty of water throughout the event to stay hydrated and potentially prevent a hangover
- Know what you are drinking, decline drinks from a people you don’t know and if you don't know what is in a drink, choose something else
- Set a drink limit and stick to it, keep a count of how much you have had
- Have friends look out for each other; try using a buddy system
- Use public transportation, ride shares — never drink and drive
- Don’t go out alone, stick together
Costumes
If you plan to wear a costume, think about how you’re representing yourself. Someone’s culture is not a costume. We repeat, someone’s culture is not a costume! Costumes of people known for committing crimes or engaged in offensive behaviors, depictions of people from specific cultures or religious traditions, or using hurtful symbols or representations based on racial, cultural, gender and other stereotypes do not support the values of an inclusive, respectful community.
Some questions to consider:
- Is the humor in your costume based on “making fun” of real people, human traits, identities, or cultures?
- If the costume is meant to be historical, does it further misinform historical and cultural inaccuracies?
- Does this costume reduce cultural differences to jokes or stereotypes?
- Would someone you know or respect be hurt by the costume?
To learn about cultural appropriation and how it can be avoided, click on the links below. Talk with your friends or trusted faculty and staff as you make decisions. Humor, irony, and alcohol use are not excuses for wearing Halloween costumes to perpetuate harmful stereotypes, regardless of intent.
Community
Be respectful of our neighbors and our neighborhoods. If you are hosting a social gathering at an off-campus residence, be a good neighbor and a responsible host by looking out for the wellbeing of your guests.
Have fun!
Halloween is just one of many occasions to connect with friends and celebrate on campus and within the community.
We all benefit from acting with respect, and care for one another and the larger community. Please take care as you make your choices, and recognize their potential impact. Building an inclusive and safe campus community is our shared responsibility.