Central High School’s homecoming week is full of tradition. There is a hall decorating contest, an all girls flag football game and the outrageous dress-up days that allow for creativity and fun. This year, however, the “fun” crossed the line.

After dressing “tacky” on Monday, enjoying “Sports Day” Tuesday, and “American Day” Wednesday, Thursday’s “Gender Swap Day” went too far in the opinion of some students.

While no one was reported to have dressed inappropriately or provocatively, the idea of finding humor at the expense of someone who might could be “switching” genders is cruel. Central is home to a diverse group of students and some could possibly be struggling with a gender identity issue.

On days that are supposed to be fun and spirited, the idea of someone “swapping gender” in the name of jokes and ridicule is outlandish.

“No matter how ‘Gender Swap Day’ may have been received, I do have absolute faith that it was no one’s goal to offend anyone when they planned any of the dress-up days. The whole week is about frivolity and fun,” expressed Mrs. Sally White, 10th grade English and creative writing teacher.

“I won’t try to speak on behalf of everyone else. It may seem a little outdated, at a time when society is beginning to broaden its understanding of gender, and reconsider the arbitrary limitations/expectations it has accepted in the past,” she added.

While no intentions were set to degrade or belittle anyone, we feel there were better choices for a school-wide dress-up day. Character or Super Hero Day were noticeably missing this year, for example. These days would unite the school and not single out others.

Homecoming is a time of great school spirit and we sincerely hope that future dress-up days will be carefully considered before they are selected so that everyone can display their own individuality and pride.