In 2021, Costa decided to remove gender distinctions from the traditional roles of homecoming kings and queens, renaming them as homecoming monarchs. This change allows students to celebrate peers based on their character, leadership, and contributions to the school community, rather than on conventional gender roles.
The Associated Student Body (ASB) and Gay Straight Alliance Club initiated this change to shift the focus of homecoming towards values like inclusivity and fairness. ASB director Lisa Claypoole argues that gender-neutral homecoming courts open doors for all to be recognized equally. These courts allow all students to participate, represent diversity, and promote unity, setting a modern example for our generation.
High schools and higher education institutions nationwide are rethinking the traditional “king and queen” model for homecoming courts. Schools such as Northwestern University, Purdue University, Oxnard Union High School, Harrisonburg High School, and Tigard High School have all made the shift to allow students to vote for two individuals, regardless of gender identity. This change aims to make the process more inclusive, ensuring that anyone has the chance to be celebrated. At Costa this year, two kings, Jaxon Stroyke and Jack Swenson, won Homecoming royalty, marking the first same-sex Homecoming winners in Costa’s history. Although some people were unhappy with this non-traditional victory, Homecoming royalty should be determined by whoever the student body believes deserves it most, just as it was done this year.
According to a survey of 500 Costa students, 74% believe that Homecoming royalty should focus on recognizing individuals for their contributions, not their gender. This demonstrates a shift in student values, prioritizing qualities like leadership and dedication to school community over tradition. By emphasizing inclusivity, Costa’s homecoming reflects a commitment to a fairer, modernized approach that celebrates everyone equally.
Despite the students’ positive reactions to the Homecoming royalty, the remaining 26% of students along with a handful of parents did not agree with the outcome. They were caught off guard because the possibility of two kings or queens winning was not explicitly mentioned during the voting process. Many voiced surprise and discomfort, feeling that the change broke a longstanding precedent, especially those unaware that the court rules had changed. No two same-sex candidates had won before, and people often resist change because tradition feels familiar and comfortable, even when the change promotes fairness and inclusivity.
Opponents argue that with Costa’s 51% majority of males, a popular vote is unfair to the female students of the school because the male candidates may have an advantage if students vote for their own gender. This concern overlooks the reality that students don’t vote strictly along gender lines, but choose candidates based on personal characteristics and school representation instead.
Additionally, concerns about gender imbalance in voting don’t reflect the reality of broader society, where such splits in population don’t create clear-cut advantages. In the U.S., for example, the population is 49.5% male and 50.47% female, a nearly equal distribution that doesn’t lead to female candidates consistently winning over males in elections or leadership roles.
Gender-neutral courts emphasize that homecoming is a celebration of community, respect, and unity, where the most deserving individuals — regardless of gender — are recognized for their positive influence.
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