Hockaday modifies graduation attire to help every student feel ‘included and celebrated’

Photo courtesy of The Hockaday School via Facebook.

The Hockaday School announced it is changing its policy on graduation attire to help ensure every student feels comfortable during the milestone event.

As a tradition, Hockaday graduates vote on a single white dress to wear during the ceremony. That will continue, but students will also have the option to wear a white graduation robe and mortarboard, according to a press release.

“We know that traditions, including those surrounding graduation, hold an important and enduring role here at Hockaday,” Karen Warren Coleman, the Eugene McDermott head of school, said in a news release. “They are part of our identity and help connect students across the graduating class and across generations.”

The decision was made after considering the school’s history, practices of peer schools and research on teen girls’ body image, self-confidence, mental health and emotional well-being. The group also consulted with the senior class, faculty and staff, parents, alumnae and the Board of Trustees.