The Milford Public school system in Connecticut has canceled the popular Halloween parade for its elementary schools "due to fear of excluding children who can’t or won’t participate in the tradition."

Parents heard about the school system's cancellation in a letter from the principal who said the decision "arose out of numerous incidents of children being excluded from activities due to religion, cultural beliefs, etc."

And it's not just the parade that is a victim of political correctness. There will be no costumes, either.

In addition to canceling the parades, the letter stated the district is forbidding students and staff to wear Halloween costumes during the day, and decreeing that any classroom activities be “fall themed, not Halloween, and food is not an option.”

Victoria Johannsen who has a child in third grade at Live Oaks School said, “I think it’s crazy. I don’t think we’re excluding anybody. I think they’re excluding themselves.”

More than 200 people signed a petition at change.org, calling for the school to reinstate the parade.

“These are our American customs and traditions and we should not have to give them up because others find them offensive!” the petition reads. “I’m so tired (of) my kids missing out on some of the things we all got to do as children and are some of the greatest childhood memories I have due to others saying they find it offensive.”

Jim Richetelli, chief operations officer for the Milford Public Schools, said he had “no direct knowledge” of the decisions about Halloween. But he said respecting the diversity of Milford’s student body is always a key concern. “Milford Public Schools do have many children from diverse beliefs, cultures and religions,” Richetelli said. “The goal is for all children to feel comfortable and definitely not alienated when they come to school.”

Richetelli also said that the PTA has several "seasonal" events planned so student who wish to participate and dress in costume would be able to do so.