As of the 2021-2022 school year, Redlands High School has decided to abandon the tradition of blue and white graduation gowns, in favor of a fully navy gowned graduating class. This decision, though affecting ONLY students, was made without the consultation of any students. While done with the honorable goal of encouraging gender equality, this act wholly ignores the impact on students. Even if it was to take place, it should have been done by the students, not teachers it holds no impact on (see the sister petition on our Student Government for more information).

The reasons outlined by the administration for opting out of white gowns, one of the Long Blue Line traditions, were the gender binaries it sustained, as well as the risk of marring white gowns face from various accidents. The student body, and in particular the graduating class of 2022, take issue with both these points, as fully navy gowns solve neither. Instead of eliminating white gowns altogether, if Redlands High School genuinely cares about eliminating binaries, they should allow all students to choose between white or navy gowns, regardless of gender identity. Furthermore, navy gowns are subject to the same risk of marring and stains as white gowns, and considering accidents happen, should not be used as a metric of measure in eliminating white gowns.

Rather than imposing their views of progress on students, Redland High School should consult the progress, which IS the students, for true growth. Bring back our white gowns.