The University of Florida is promoting a 24/7 counseling hotline for students to utilize if they feel troubled or offended by their peers' Halloween costume choices this October 31.
In a Gator Times newsletter posted Monday, the administration encourages students to “think about your choices of costumes and themes."
“Some Halloween costumes reinforce stereotypes of particular races, genders, cultures, or religions. Regardless of intent, these costumes can perpetuate negative stereotypes, causing harm and offense to groups of people. Also, keep in mind that social media posts can have a long-term impact on your personal and professional reputation,” the statement reads.
“If you are troubled by an incident that does occur, please know that there are many resources available. Please take advantage of the 7 day a week presence of the U Matter, We Care program at the University of Florida by emailing umatter@ufl.edu. Additionally, there is a 24/7 counselor in the Counseling and Wellness Center available to speak by phone.”
Halloween costume choices have become somewhat an issue of political correctness since last year, when a Yale faculty member's memo encouraging students to push the boundaries set off a wave of protests and discussions on "safe spaces."
It started when the university's Intercultural Affairs Committee circulated a notice, similar to UF's, urging students not to dress up in racially insensitive costumes.
Erika Christakis, then an associate headmaster at Yale's Silliman College, followed up the notice with an email to the students living in the residence hall where she was an administrator.
"Is there no room anymore for a child or young person to be a little bit obnoxious, a little bit inappropriate or provocative or, yes, offensive?" she wrote. "American universities were once a safe space not only for maturation but also for a certain regressive, or even transgressive, experience; increasingly, it seems, they have become places of censure and prohibition."
Her words stirred an uproar, which eventually led to her resignation.
UF's newsletter comes just days after Wisconsin-La Crosse hosted an event meant to educate students on racially insensitive costumes. Fox News reported that about 30 students showed up after posters had been placed around campus, asking “Is Your Costume Racist?”
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.