ATHENS -- An Ohio University student group maintains not all tricks are treats this holiday season through their campaign to end racist Halloween costumes.
Students Teaching Against Racism, or STARS, has gained national attention for a series of posters that feature students of different ethnicities holding up photos of stereotypical costumes with a message: "We're a culture, not a costume" and "This is not who I am, and this is not okay."
A geisha costume, terrorist, Native American chief, gangster and pancho-wearing Mexican man riding a donkey were just a few of the offensive costumes listed in the campaign.
"We wanted to highlight these offensive costumes because we've all seen them," said Sarah Williams, president of STARS, to ABC News. "We just wanted to say, 'Hey, this is not cool. This is offensive and this shouldn’t be taken lightly.' It's offending a culture and people should be aware."
Williams also told ABC that Ohio University's reputation as a wild party school made their effort even more important as Halloween approaches.
"We strive to facilitate a discussion about discipline and racism and educate people and these posters have clearly done this," Williams said. "A lot of people feel racism is dead and it’s not relevant anymore, but that’s not the case."
STARS received help from OU's Division of Student Affairs to print even more posters for the campaign, which began on Friday. Ryan Lombardi, Dean of Students, said the department backed the group completely and immediately agreed to fund the effort.
Williams said while some students have criticized STARS for being "too sensitive," a majority of the campus is supporting their message.
Are college students dressing in offensive costumes unknowingly or purposefully? Do you think the campaign will help prevent people from dressing up as a stereotype? Weigh in below and on our Facebook page.
Read more: ABC News
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