University of Colorado Tells Students to Avoid Offensive Halloween Costumes

According to FOX News, the University of Colorado is warning students not to offend people when dressing up for Halloween. The University warns that dressing up as a cowboy or Indian could offend and hurt someone.

The University of Colorado at Boulder is asking students not to wear Halloween costumes that might be offensive to others, including cowboys, Indians and outfits involving a sombrero.

Dean of Students Christian Gonzales said in a message to students that dressing up as someone from another culture can lead to inaccurate and hurtful portrayals of other cultures.

"If you are planning to celebrate Halloween by dressing up in a costume, consider the impact your costume decision may have on others in the CU community," Gonzales said.

KMGH-TV reported that students are being asked to avoid wearing blackface, sombreros, and dressing up as "squaws" or cowboys.

Gonzales is also asking students not to host parties that may offend others, including those with “ghetto” or "white trash/hillbilly" themes or those associated with ""crime or sex work."

"While everyone has the freedom to be expressive, we also encourage you to celebrate that you are a part of a vibrant, diverse CU community that strives toward respecting others," Gonzales said.

University spokesman Bronson Hilliard told watchdog group Campus Reformthat while the school condemns such costumes, students would not be punished for wearing them.

"When you dress up as a cowboy, and you have your sheriff badge on and a big cowboy hat, that's not a representation of a cowboy, that's not a representation of people who work on a ranch that's not a representation of people who live in the West, that's kind of a crude stereotype," Hilliard said.

According to MyFoxTwinCities.com, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities issued a similar letter to students earlier this month, urging students to chose Halloween costumes that avoid "racial, cultural and gender stereotypes."

How long until we just ban Halloween? Seriously, the only people who are offended by cowboys or wearing a sombrero are people who are looking to be offended.