EASTHAMPTON, MA (WHDH) — One school in Western Massachusetts is now referring to freshmen as first-year students.

Easthampton High School officials said they made the change based on recommendations from the student’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance group in an effort to be more gender neutral.

“Changing the way we use pronouns has been a challenge for me. I want people to feel comfortable and if it means that I have to change the way I use my language, I’m okay with that,” said Eileen Corbeil.

The school superintendent said students can still use the term freshman if they choose to.

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