ACLU Criticizes Braintree High Over Gendered Graduation Gowns

BRAINTREE, MA — The American Civil Liberties Union sent a letter to Braintree school officials criticizing the district for assigning different-colored gowns to graduating high school students based on gender. According to the Patriot Ledger, which first reported this story, ACLU attorney Ruth Bourquin in the email argued providing blue gown to boys and white gowns to girls is dismissive of transgender and non-binary students. The email said the issue was raised by several Braintree High School students, and the school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance also created a petition that was included in the ACLU's email.

The ACLU's letter said it is illegal for public schools to discriminate based on race, color, sex gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. It also pointed to a recently amended state law that requires schools to adjust their gender-based graduation policies. Braintree High School doesn't force students to wear the color corresponding with their birth gender, but the ACLU's letter argued the current policy is still harmful. The ACLU suggested soliving the problem by having all students wear one color.

"This situation leaves transgender and non-binary students with the option only of choosing between two colors, each of which is associated with a binary gender identity," the letter read. "It also leaves transgender and non-binary students at risk of harassment or bullying if they choose the color that other students feel is not accurately associated with their apparent gender."

Braintree Superintendent Frank Hackett told the Patriot Ledger school Headmaster Christopher Scully received the alliance's petition Thursday and discussion have begun. Hackett said graduation ceremonies are regulated by the School Committee, so any changes would have to go through the policy and education subcommittee. Students, parents, teachers and the administration will all be involved in the discussion, Hackett said.

The letter from the ACLU can be found below:

For more on this story, check out the Patriot Ledger.