Wellesley High School in Massachusetts sparked conversation when “USA Day,” a staple of its spirit week line-up, was replaced with “Fitness Friday,” amid concerns of politicization. The theme has been a long-standing tradition used to stir school spirit before the Thanksgiving football game. However, the feeling of national unity and patriotism that “USA Day” previously nurtured was called into question this year.

As reported by Boston 25 News today, the school opted to replace the theme to prevent potential political controversy. Even with the change, students to wear patriotic clothing were allowed, though the focal theme was Fitness Friday.

Opinions differed widely on the decision, stirring robust dialogue within the school community. Olivia Spagnuolo, from the school’s Student Unification Program, told in a Fox News piece how quick the administration was to nix the idea of “USA Day” for causing division. “The administration was not going to let this happen,” she said, “It wasn’t a topic for discussion.”

Reactions varied among families and students at the school, prompting reflection on how a celebration of national pride has evolved into a heated debate. A local parent found the decision “absurd,” saying, “I think it’s sad and depressing that we’re at this state, celebrating the United States is political.” It begs the question, is fostering a sense of American unity too divisive in a school setting?

Notably, other themes for spirit week went ahead unaffected: Throwback Thursday, Wild West Wednesday, Mismatch Monday, and Tropical Tuesday. It prompts one to ask how “USA Day” becomes a contentious topic threatening to the unity it used to uphold.