Shaler mulling changes to graduation gown colors to be more inclusive

The discussion of changes from the traditional blue gowns worn by boys and white gowns worn by girls for Shaler Area High School graduation to something more inclusive brought many opinions from both students and the public at the Oct. 13 Shaler Area School Board meeting.

Current and former students chose to speak at the meeting, along with many parents of former and current students.

Student representatives Catherine Clark and Avery Gallant also spoke at the meeting.

“I wanted to address the school board on the subject of gowns because there are some strong feelings from the senior class about what they would like to be done,” Clark said via email.

“As the student representative of the senior class to the school board, I felt that it was my duty to share my class’s opinions and concerns on an issue that was important to us. I have received a lot of feedback from my fellow students, but overwhelmingly the senior class and student officers are trying to find a decision that is in everyone’s best interest.”

Elizabeth Hanulak, a parent, asked the board why the topic has taken so long to be addressed, since she had brought it to the board’s attention twice in 2020. She said that she felt that the district was using the pandemic as an excuse to ignore the subject.

“This discussion originated at the district level out of a desire to increase unity and inclusion within the district,” Bethany Baker, the district’s communications specialist said after the meeting via email.

Most of those who chose to speak were open to some type of change, but there were many opinions on how that change should take place.

A large portion of the current students who spoke during the meeting voiced concerns for the safety of students in the LGBTQ community, saying they already get bullied, and the idea of making changes to what some consider a tradition has already caused more bullying in school.

One of the first public comments came from school board candidate Bryan Whitaker, who suggested offering a third color option for students.

“We should add a third robe color, perhaps red, which would allow students who want to deviate from the traditional robes to get their way, without forcing those who want the traditional colors to change,” Whitaker said, pointing out red is the third of the school colors.

A statement issued by Superintendent Sean Aiken advised that the district is “considering the decision to transition from the current option for students to choose a blue or white gown,” and that they understand that this is a sensitive issue and “are looking for a balance between maintaining tradition and showing unity and inclusion.”

According to school board member Tim Gapsky, a committee has been set up that includes some board members, parents, students and teachers.

“They are going to meet during the first week of November and every week after that until a recommendation has been decided,” Gapsky said.