Maybe It's Time We Listen and Learn from Our ‘Politically Correct’ Kids

When we were kids, adults often warned us that our carefree attitudes and “trivial” worries would lead to chaos. Ironically, today’s youth is facing the same skepticism from us, despite their priorities being incredibly significant.

Advocating for Change

At West High School in Madison, Wisconsin, students recently banded together to advocate for a gender-neutral homecoming court at this year’s dance. Initiated by the school’s LGBTQ Alliance, over 1,000 students signed a petition to eliminate the traditional titles of King and Queen. Their reasoning? Those titles can be exclusionary and force individuals to fit into specific gender categories to participate.

Instead of sticking to the usual ten boys and ten girls, students will now vote for 20 nominees who embody their school’s values. From that pool, two winners will be crowned as “Regent Royalty,” a name coined by the students themselves. Principal Lisa Thompson noted that this change stemmed from meaningful reflection on the purpose of gender identifiers for court and discussions she had with student leaders. “I hope students who felt excluded now really see they have a place at the table,” she shared with Today Parents.

Facing Criticism

While the student body has largely embraced this change, some adults have been quick to criticize these youngsters for their efforts. Coverage on platforms like Popsugar has received backlash from those who believe the so-called “PC police” are overstepping by promoting inclusivity at high school events. Oh, the shock!

The Reality of Discrimination

Here’s the reality: suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-24. According to the American Society for Suicide Prevention, 41% of transgender or gender non-conforming people attempt suicide at some point in their lives—not because they’re “overly sensitive,” but due to the relentless discrimination they face in a world that often refuses to acknowledge their existence.

A Positive Development

Yes, kids today might be more “sensitive” and “politically correct,” and you know what? That’s actually a positive development. They’re doing what far too many adults avoid—considering the needs, feelings, and experiences of those who are different from them. If a tradition is exclusionary or rooted in outdated notions of gender, race, or identity, they challenge it. They should be celebrated for that.

Embracing Change

Traditions aren’t immune to scrutiny or change just because they’ve been around for a while. In fact, evolving traditions to reflect our growing understanding is essential for their relevance. There’s simply no reason to exclude anyone from the homecoming court based on gender or to force them into a title that doesn’t align with their identity. We can—and should—make space for everyone.

The Value of Acceptance

Acceptance and empathy are valuable virtues, and we could all benefit from incorporating more of them into our lives. Hats off to these students for recognizing that and striving to enhance the experience for their peers.

Conclusion

In summary, the youth today are challenging outdated norms and striving for inclusivity, and we should support them in these efforts. Their actions not only reflect a progressive mindset but also a greater understanding of acceptance that we could all learn from.

Maybe It’s Time We Listen and Learn from Our ‘Politically Correct’ Kids