Howard County Getting Rid Of Different Colored Graduation Gowns

COLUMBIA, Md. (WJZ) -- It's a proud day for any parent -- seeing their son or daughter walk across the stage to receive their high school diploma -- but one Maryland county is changing a tradition associated with high school graduation.

Amy Yensi explains Howard County is getting rid of different colored gowns.

We're still a few months from graduation season, but already, caps and gowns are a hot topic.

When Arjun Sharma walks down the aisle on graduation day, he'll be in a maroon cap and gown -- and so will all of his other classmates -- boys and girls.

"Having the same color graduation gowns really makes everyone feel united," said Sharma.

Howard County public schools are now requiring gender neutral caps and gowns instead of different colors for boys and girls. This, in an effort to make transgender students feel more comfortable.

"To be able to all come out in the same gown is really just going to reinforce, again, that consistency, that camaraderie and that school spirit," said Principal Marcy Leonard, Hammond High School.

The move is sparking debate on whether it bucks tradition. Comments on the "Howard County Moms Talk About It" group Facebook page run the gamut -- from "I think it's nice to have separate colors" to "Let students pick" and "Keep them separate."

John White, spokesperson for Howard County schools, says the school system should be inclusive.

"Students can feel like they're part of one class, one school, and feel like they're graduating together," said White.

"We know that LGBT youth experience discrimination and bullying and harassment in schools. This decision by Howard County is an opportunity to remove one more barrier," said Patrick Paschall, Free State Legal and Equality Maryland.

Along with the dress code, the way students enter graduation ceremonies will also be gender neutral. Students will now enter together in alphabetical order, not separated by gender.

Tenth grader Kayla Coleman doesn't care what she wears, as long as: "I know that I got my education and I can go on and do bigger and better things."

Each school gets to pick its own graduation color. Students started ordering caps and gowns this week.

Last October, the State Department of Education issued recommendations to make LGBT students feel more comfortable. Other Maryland counties are considering gender neutral caps and gowns as well.