Homecoming is an event that frames the beginning of school and is something that many students look forward to. York’s 2023 Homecoming theme is “Casino Royale,” which I find to be a questionable proposition, and wonder how relatable it can be to high school students. It seems to be a flashy, sparkly proposal for a theme, but what’s behind it could give students the wrong idea. The thought that gambling is linked with the fun and games that Homecoming includes could send a message of encouragement to students when involving themselves in restricted behavior, such as gambling among other activities.
The York Student Handbook says under the section, “Prohibited Student Conduct,” that “violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism and hazing,” isn’t permitted, along with countless rules involving the restriction of substances. Gambling is among prohibited behavior, something that casinos are made for. The fact that the main attraction of fall is centered around an activity that minors aren’t allowed to partake in, is an idea that I struggle to support. If a student were to even look up the words, “casino royale,” they would be redirected to a blocked browser page. Students aren’t even allowed to search these two words on a district-issued Chromebook, but are invited to celebrate in October with those very same words in mind.
This theme is based on the Daniel Craig movie, “James Bond: Casino Royale,” where Bond is tasked to eliminate the enemy in a high stakes poker game. This dark toned movie is heavily violent and includes scenes filled with weapons, substances, along with chemistry between Bond the love interest. Is James Bond really the best role model for high school students? A trained killer who involves himself in reckless behavior is the man we are showcasing for our school dance. “James Bond: Casino Royale” is a well liked film, but trying to come up with a theme that relates to high school student’s interests such as action movies could’ve been more carefully chosen, if that was the reasoning behind the theme at all.
Deciding the theme for Homecoming starts at Student Council. They come up with ideas, then send a form for students to vote on their favorite. Yes, this theme might’ve won most popular vote over other themes Masquerade, galaxy and under the sea, but the Casino Royale idea came from higher authority first. Student Council brainstormed ideas, then the administration reviews them. After that, Student Council makes a final decision of themes to then have the student body vote on. It’s difficult coming up with a theme that satisfies everyone, but I find it hard to believe it went through group of responsible students and a group of adults in charge of our school policies with no one seeing the same red flags I do.
James Bond and Casino were among the first ideas that came up when searching for homecoming themes on the internet, so other schools possibly decided they were good themes as well. There are many other homecoming themes I feel we could’ve done such as tropical, Ancient Greece or even Disney to name a few, that would be more appropriate. Casino Royale or not, I’m sure this year’s Homecoming will be full of excitement like in years past. Next year though, when picking Homecoming themes, let’s consider more ideas that students can legally enjoy.
