Spirit Week Controversy
Crete-Monee High School celebrates spirit week the entire week of homecoming. A different theme each day enhances school spirit. Gender-bender day has been ruled out and some students question why while others agree. Gender-bender day is a day a voluntary event that calls for boys to dress like girls and girls to dress like boys. The idea was created by students as one is a series of school spirit days. Along with the other days, participation is voluntary. The issue of sexual orientation is schools among teens and children has long been a controversial topic. According to class president, Ciara Myhre, gender-bender day was ruled out of Crete Monee High school because it could be seen offensive to some. Some students suggests the day is put into place to promote school spirit and is taken out of context. Others suggests the “Gender Bender” day at school harm students who do not conform to traditional gender-roles rather than help them feel acquainted with their classmates. “While it is suppose to be a fun day, a male dressed in gender swapping clothes as homosexual or less of a man, and on the other side, a female student dressed in more male attire is viewed as masculine or heterosexual as well”. Said senior Steven Klenk The day carries some positives and negatives, which contradict themselves. This time and age some people are sensitive. It is certain precautions that need to be took in order to prevent anything that can be seen as to offensive or degrading to another individual even if that means not having a “fun” day. Additionally, the day goes against the freedom and boxes people into
categories and requirements of what it means to be a boy and what it means to be a girl. However, the day is harmless to others and is into place not only to promote school spirit but to feel free.
“I think men are insecure in their sexuality and constantly depict things as being gay. I think gender bender day gives a fun excuse to not worry about sexuality but freedom of expression. Gender should not matter and there should not be a black or white. I believe in a grey space”. Said senior Jaida Ross Some girls at Crete Monee High school suggest that boys can put aside their masculinity for a day and that is why homophobia exists. It is a voluntary day. All students may not participate but it can be fun when students do participate. “I feel like it’s entertaining to see”. Said senior Courtney Peacock Though the day has been completely banned from Crete Monee High school, spirit week is still a week that students look forward to to kickoff homecoming.
