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HHS Goes All Green for Graduation

By contributor,
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Dear Class of 2015 Parents & Guardians,

While in recent years graduating seniors have worn white or green caps and gowns determined by gender, in light of recent state legislation (An Act Relative to Gender Identity (Chapter 199 of the Acts of 2011)) and guidance from The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

(Guidance for Massachusetts Public School: Creating a Safe and Supportive School Environment), starting this June all students will wear the same color cap and gown. This change in our graduation protocol is intended to ensure that all students feel safe, supported and included while at school.

On Friday, April 3rd the Class of 2015 had a meeting to discuss senior week activities and graduation. At the meeting, students were given four different options to vote on regarding styles for their caps and gowns. The voting process will take place online and the seniors will have until Monday, April 6th at 8am to make their selections. The style selected by the seniors in the voting process will be worn at this year’s commencement ceremony.At a recent School Council meeting, Adam Graubart, the valedictorian of the class, offered this statement, “Even though, for some, this decision may be tough to understand, it is in the best interest of the student body as a whole to diverge from a system that reinforces a gender binary of male and female. Gender identification exists on a spectrum, and as a public institution, and an inclusive group, we have a responsibility to not force students to make such a circumscribed personal, and falsely constructed distinction at graduation.” Senior Maddie Dragsbaek offered a similar opinion, “Whether it be lining up boy/girl, sitting in desks boy/girl, or wearing graduation gowns boy/girl, it creates a uncomfortable environment for those who don't follow the gender binary. With unity, inclusion for all, and respect for people of all backgrounds being valued in our school system, it seems only right that we break tradition in the case of graduation gowns. This tradition of separating the students by gender is dated and it is definitely time to start prioritizing the safety, comfort, and inclusion of all students currently at Hopkinton High School and all those that will come through in years to come.” 

As principal, it is very important to me to create a safe and supportive environment of respect, inclusion, unity and tolerance at the high school. I thank you in advance for your understanding and support of this decision.

Sincerely,

Evan Bishop
Principal