Oct 24, 2014 04:14 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Two different schools have warned their students ahead of Halloween of face painting and potentially offensive getups.

At the University of Minnesota (UM), the Office for Student Affairs released an open letter to students titled "Celebrate Halloween Respectfully." The Minneaplois Star-Tribune noted last year that the school did the same thing.

"The crisp air and changing leaves tell us that autumn is upon us. And with that comes Halloween and the many ways we observe this festive event. If you choose to participate in Halloween festivities, please be thoughtful and respectful when celebrating," UM's statement read. "In particular, please keep in mind that certain Halloween costumes inappropriately perpetuate racial, cultural, and gender stereotypes. Although it may not be the intent, these costumes, and choosing to wear them, can depict identities in ways that are offensive or hurtful to others. Please take care in selecting your Halloween costumes. And, as always, keep in mind the potential for social media posts to have a long-term impact on your reputation."

According to the State Press, Arizona State University (ASU) advised the student body against face all kinds of face painting. At a recent football game against UCLA, ASU students went to what was known as the "blackout game" and some painted their faces as such.

The school's Black and African Coalition (BAC) argued that blackface should never be misconstrued as school spirit.

"The historical context of blackface is that it is demeaning to the African-American culture," BAC President Kyle Denman told the State Press. "It doesn't show school spirit; it represents cultural insensitivity at the end of the day."

Perhaps with Halloween in mind, ASU released a statement requesting students stay away from face painting at "any event." The BAC endorsed ASU's statement.

"As an inclusive and forward-thinking university, it is important for us to foster an environment in which everyone feels safe and accepted. Therefore, we discourage the use of face paint at any event, whether the theme is black, maroon, gold or white, and ask our fans to show their Sun Devil Pride in other ways," ASU's statement reads. "We look forward to working with all of Sun Devil Nation on continuing to show our support in ways that all of us can appreciate and embrace."

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