Sul Ross Homecoming Court Joins the Ranks with Gender Neutral Titles

By Dawson Beard, Skyline Reporter

ALPINE - After plans to transition away from the traditional Homecoming King and Queen titles toward titles that are more inclusive were postponed last year, plans have been set in motion for this year’s homecoming to feature the first ever Homecoming Royalty in SRSU history.

“It’s been a few years since this was introduced, and Student Life decided to finally do it this year,” said Jacob Spurlock, president of SRSU’s Student Government Association. “It is logical to address the needs of students. It will provide inclusivity across the board.”

Plans to transition to gender-neutral titles were first introduced in Fall 2021 by what was formerly known as  the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Sexual and Gender Alliance.

Not every aspect of the original 2021 proposal will be implemented though. When the idea was first introduced two years ago, there was a provision that allowed same-sex couples to run for homecoming court together. This aspect of the proposal was not accepted.

“The plan is for individuals to run separately. Any student is welcome to run, and the top two vote receivers will be Royalty,” said representatives of SGA at a recent SGA Congress meeting.

The SGA also stated that the homecoming title each winner receives will be Royalty regardless of the individuals’ gender identity or preference.

While this is not exactly what was envisioned, many SRSU students and staff members are happy to finally see changes being made.

“The decision of SRSU’s Student Government Association and Homecoming Committee to move to a gender-neutral homecoming court reflects the wishes and work of our students to advocate for themselves and their peers,” said Savannah Williamson, Coordinator of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, formerly known as the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“A more inclusive homecoming court will allow for greater student participation in Homecoming events and puts Sul Ross on-level with the many colleges and universities across the country that have already adopted gender-neutral titles for homecoming courts,” Williamson said.