We, the past, present and future students of New Trier, believe we need to eliminate the gendered advisery system. It is not an accurate representation of the student body, and it excludes and isolates our non-binary and gender non-conforming classmates.

For the last 93 years gendered adviseries have existed at New Trier. Back in the 1920’s, when this idea was first introduced, it was acceptable to separate students, but now with the increasing number of trans and non-binary students at New Trier, this tradition is close-minded and outdated. While this system might have supported the beliefs of an earlier time, now students don’t feel included, welcome and safe.

The adviser system was created to ensure a safe and inclusive community, but how can students feel included if they are constantly reminded of how they don’t fit in? How can students be their true selves if they start the day off by feeling invisible and unheard?

A way to fix this problem is by getting rid of the current system and creating non-gendered adviseries. Not only would this provide a more inclusive community, it would also unite all students in our school.

This harmful tradition has gone on for too long. Now is the time to listen to the students and make the change to do away with the exclusionary gendered adviser system.