UW-Stout replaces homecoming king and queen with gender-neutral Spirit Award
2015 Homecoming King and Queen at UW-Stout | photo by Brett T. Roseman
MENOMONIE, Wis. (KMSP) - The University of Wisconsin-Stout is replacing its longstanding tradition of homecoming king and queen with a gender-neutral Spirit Award.
Ahead of the University of Wisconsin-Stout’s annual homecoming, the school announced it has revamped the tradition and for the first time in 80 years there will not be a homecoming king or queen.
“The new “royalty” program provides an opportunity to recognize more students who can have a more meaningful role as ambassadors and not be bound by gender restrictions,” said Emily Ascher, campus activities coordinator at the Involvement Center.
The school says eight students will be selected for the Stout Ambassadors Spirit Award. The ambassadors will be required throughout the year to represent the study body by attending various events.
“All of our students have the capacity to strongly and proudly serve as representatives of campus. Restricting that role to a gender specific pair limits opportunities, both for our students and program as a whole,” Ascher said.
UW-Stout’s 125th anniversary of homecoming is Oct. 8.