THS Unifies Robe Color for Graduation

Talawanda High school made a graduation dress code change recently from traditional blue robes for men and white robes for women to an overall blue color for all students.

The Talawanda community has  been buzzing with rumors about the recent change for the graduation gowns, with many students and staff members wondering why the change was made.

Talawanda High School Principal Tom York said the change was for two specific reasons. York said that it’s something administrators had been discussing for a while. In order to give the rows of students in the auditorium a more solid look when in rows, switching to one color was the first idea they had in mind. “In terms of lining students in rows, we were looking to give a more uniform look when entering the auditorium,” York said.

Aside from wanting a more collegiate look to the graduation gowns, a second reason behind the decision was to follow a dress code. “The white gowns females wore were see-through, requiring girls to find a white outfit to wear under their gowns,” York said. The new decision alleviates many problems relating to what is worn under the gowns.

The tradition of blue gowns for men and white gowns for women has taken place for a few years now, creating a norm for most students. Although  York said this has been the norm for a while, it is not the first year that Talawanda has had all blue gowns, recalling his own history in the Talawanda school district. “It’s not the first year we have had blue gowns, depending on how far back you go in history. With mine dating back as long as it does, it’s something I am accustomed to,” he said.

But this is definitely a new idea for this year’s graduating class, raising many questions from  the student body.

As rumors buzz throughout the halls of Talawanda High School, many students have questioned whether or not the change was made with gender neutrality in mind, as this has been a large topic of discussion among schools nationwide. On Friday, May 13th 2016, the U.S Department of Education announced to all school districts that federal law will require them to allow students use restrooms and locker rooms “consistent with their gender identity.”

According to a Washington Post article, schools in New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey have undergone recent changes to their school policies for the transgender community. “A 2013 State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidance document encourages schools to evaluate gender-based policies, including dress codes for graduations and proms.”

However, according to the THS administration, despite the student body’s outlook on this topic, the change occurred for a vast number of reasons, none of which pertain to transgender students at Talawanda. “That is a very good point, and I do want to bring that to the staff’s attention, although it was not the first thought when making this decision,” said York.

York said the change will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.