Elyria High School's recent decision to have graduating seniors don gender neutral gowns for Commencement ceremonies has faced backlash among a number of students, parents, and community members.

We, the petitioners, sign below to express solidarity with the High School's decision and their commitment to maintaining an LGBTQ friendly atmosphere.

Although opponents oppose the decision on the grounds of minority-pandering, we believe the High School, as a public institution, should maintain an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity regardless of the number affected.

Not only do gender neutral garments respect the identities of the Queer community, delineation on gender maintains a symbolic division among men and women within academic circles. This division has historically been to the detriment of women and by maintaining visual distinctions, the High School would only maintain historical distinctions made among genders.

Tradition for the sake of tradition only perpetuates injustice and paralyzes present generations from considering issues of justice with modern information and modern mindsets.