A principal at a Brooklyn elementary school has sparked outrage after excluding students from a Valentine’s Day party for not wearing pajamas. The principal, Angela Martin, required low-income students to pay a $2 fee for a pajama-themed celebration, only to deny entry based on their attire.
The event, dubbed the “Valentine’s Pajama Jam,” took place on February 12 at PS 202 in East New York, featuring a deejay, dancing, and cupcakes. Parents and teachers were understandably upset when children were sent home crying because they didn’t realize pajamas were a strict requirement. “No pajamas, no party,” staff members reported Martin as saying.
While themed parties can be great fun, the emphasis at an elementary school should be on enjoyment rather than strict dress codes. The Valentine’s theme alone should have been sufficient to create a festive atmosphere. Unfortunately, the principal seemed overly focused on the pajama aspect, leaving many students feeling unwanted and excluded.
What defines pajamas is also subjective. A fifth-grade boy, who wore basketball shorts—his preferred sleepwear—was turned away despite bringing the required donation. “I changed in the bathroom and got in line,” the 10-year-old explained. “But the principal said I can’t come in. He told me, ‘That’s not pajamas, go back to the lunchroom.’” His mother expressed her frustration, saying, “He wasn’t doing anything wrong. Why exclude them because of what they’re wearing?”
Matching pajama sets may be popular, but many kids don’t own them. “Maybe their pajamas have holes or are too small,” another parent pointed out. Her son also brought the donation but felt uncomfortable wearing pajamas to school. “You don’t know if they’re poor or sleep in underwear and a T-shirt,” she added, highlighting a key oversight by Martin when planning the event. Notably, 91% of the 547 students at PS 202 come from low-income households, making it crucial for the principal to be sensitive to their circumstances.
This incident is particularly frustrating since another principal was recently removed from her position for excluding students from a school carnival unless they paid a $10 fee. The Department of Education has made it clear that all students should be allowed to participate in fundraising events during school hours, emphasizing that common sense should prevail in educational settings. Excluding children from events they should be part of is simply unacceptable.
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In summary, the incident at PS 202 serves as a reminder that inclusivity should be a priority in school events. Dress codes should not overshadow the joy of community celebrations, especially in environments where many students face financial challenges. The principal’s failure to ensure all students could join in the fun is a missed opportunity to foster a sense of belonging and joy among young learners.
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