U Of M Homecoming 'King And Queen' Changed To 'Gender-Neutral' Term

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — In an effort toward "gender inclusivity," the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities Student Unions and Activities organization (SUA) has changed the titles of Homecoming "King and Queen" to the "gender-neutral Royalty."

"We wish to promote a spirit of inclusion at the University of Minnesota," SUA said in a news release Monday. "This change allows the University to select the best student representatives for the U of M based on campus and community involvement — regardless of gender."

"What in the past would have been called 'King' and 'Queen' will now be called 'Royals' and can be any combination of any gender identity."

Organizers say that "being crowned as Royalty allows you to embody the true meaning of a being Gopher: a student who respectfully represents the University’s values, connects with the diverse members of the University community, and has excellent school pride."

The 2016 Homecoming King was Ethan Dado, while the Homecoming Queen was Priyanka Shah.

Since 1914, the university has celebrated Homecoming. The celebration brings the campus community together with events such as concerts, the Homecoming parade, and the Homecoming football game.

Image via Breezy Baldwin, Flickr, used under Creative Commons