The Class of 2017 will wear white gowns and caps to graduation this year following the decision to end the tradition of girls wearing white gowns and boys wearing black gowns in order to promote inclusivity.

Prefect Council sent a survey to seniors where they could choose whether they would prefer wearing white or black gowns and caps. Students could also state their indifference on the survey.

Maddy Harbert ’17 said that although she voted to wear black gowns and caps, she supported the message of all students wearing the same color. She said that she did not mind that her first choice in gown color was not chosen.

“I didn’t really care about which color was chosen, but I thought it was important that they be inclusive of all genders and not categorize people based off their gender,” Harbert said.

Ethan Blaser ’17 said that he was indifferent on the selection of the gown color and voted as such in the survey.

“I don’t think it matters,” Blaser said. “I don’t think people really found it as big of an issue from what I could tell. I’m fine with white.”

However, Blaser said that he was glad that students were accepting of the new tradition.

“I’m happy that it didn’t get blown out of proportion, that this issue wasn’t really made a big thing,” Blaser said. “People were just like, ‘Okay, it’s white now, alright.’”