The University of Florida has urged students who feel offended by Halloween costumes to report the matter to the Bias Education and Response Team, according to The Washington Times.
The management sent a memo to students asking them to "think about your choices of costumes and themes."
"Some Halloween costumes reinforce stereotypes of particular races, genders, cultures, or religions," the memo, which was sent out from the University of Florida administration, said. "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 administration further warned.
The Bias Education and Response Team at the University of Florida responds to all reported incidents of bias and provides support by connecting those that were impacted to the appropriate services and resources, according to the university-managed website.
The anti-bias team comprises 10 people including the assistant dean of students, Anthony DeSantis, and the director of the Institute of Black Culture, Vee Smith.
The university is also setting up a 24/7 hotline for students who are disturbed by unpleasant outfits.
"An inclusive definition of diversity recognizes the variety of personal and social experiences that make individuals and communities different from one another," the memo says.
In the past, offensive Halloween costumes have created unrest on college campuses.
The University of Florida faced heavy backlash and protests in 2011 and 2012 when some white students decided to dress up for Halloween in blackface — some turned up as rappers and some football players, The Daily Caller reported.
Last year, Erika Christakis, a former Yale University lecturer, resigned from her post after she told students in an email that it was OK to be "a little bit inappropriate or provocative" on Halloween, which was followed by backlash on campus.
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