Some Students Oppose Greenwich High School's Plan For 'Gender-Neutral' Graduation Gowns

GREENWICH, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Connecticut high school's plan to have all graduates wear "gender-neutral'' caps and gowns at commencement is meeting opposition from some students.

Girls have traditionally worn white gowns at Greenwich High School commencement ceremonies, while boys have worn red.

In a letter this week to parents of graduating seniors, student activities director Diane Chiappetta Fox said that students this year would wear a "newly designed red, gender-neutral cap and gown,'' The Greenwich Time reported. She did not explain the reason for the change.

On online petition was started in opposition to the plan.

"It is tradition that the graduating class at Greenwich High School is presented their diplomas in front of a crowd of fellow students in red and white gowns," said student Allie Moore who started the petition on Change.org. "At our last Greenwich High School event we should be given a final opportunity to exercise our freedom with responsibility by expressing both of our school colors."

Another student said, "It is a tradition for both red and white to be worn at Greenwich high school graduation. I've been looking forward to wearing white for four years, and it's unfair that now we all are forced to wear one color. Females should wear white and males should wear red, but anyone that is uncomfortable with their assigned color should be free to choose what color they want."

So far the petition has 364 signatures. The goal is to reach 500 signatures.

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