Teacher on administrative leave after Scooby-Doo Halloween costume outrages parents

Halloween is a great time to let go of the shackles of everyday life and transform yourself into another character for just one day a year.

Some people keep it traditional and go as witches, ghosts or even vampires, but more recently, people have gotten more creative with their looks - with some even dressing as concepts or objects, rather than people.

One elementary school teacher did exactly that for Halloween this year, although she might be wishing she hadn't, after her unusual costume choice left her being placed on administrative leave.

The teacher found herself in hot water with many parents, after deciding to dress up as the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, but it wasn't the costume itself that left people offended.

The teacher, who worked at Sutter Elementary School in Antioch, California, painted her face dark to represent the nighttime, as well as wearing a green moon over her head. On her body, she wore a box to represent the blue, green and orange minivan that Scooby-Doo and the gang drive around in on their mission to solve mysteries.

While it might seem like an innocent choice, a school board member has since spoken out against the dark make up the teacher used, due to its long, historical link to racism in the US.

School board member, Antonio Hernandez, told NBC Bay Area: "We know that there’s a long cultural, historical background to people putting dark makeup on, and there’s a lot of context there that we know is harmful to particular students of color and very particular to the Black community.

"Regardless of what the intention was, we know what kind of feelings that image can provoke in parents, students and in the community."

Hernandez confirmed that as a result of complaints made by parents of children attending the elementary school, the teacher has been placed on administrative leave, although it's not clear how long she will be on leave or whether the decision is likely to be permanent.

Meanwhile, the teacher isn't the only one to spark controversy with her choice of Halloween costume, as Khloe Kardashian was accused of 'blackfishing' after dressing up as a Bratz doll.

But while some fans loved the nostalgic costume choice, many people accused the reality star of blackfishing, which is when a person uses a particular hairstyle or darker make up to give the impression they are of Black or mixed race heritage.

"This is most definitely blackface & I don’t appreciate it," wrote one person on Instagram.

"Black fishing periodddd," added another, as a third wrote: "Remove these photos and let’s have a discussion about cultural misappropriation."

Others defended Khloe, with one fan commenting: "It’s a spray tan I’m sure we all get them," while another added: "People are insane. It’s Halloween! You ladies look great. How fun!"