Student Was Told She Couldn't Wear Military Stole at Graduation, Then School District Revised Policy amid Controversy

Yahoo

23-05-2025

An Arizona high school senior spoke out after initially being told she couldn't wear her military stole at graduation
Shortly before the ceremony, the school district announced they were revising the policy
"I am proud of my country and being able to serve," wrote Daniela Rascon-Rivas on social media before the decision was announcedA high school senior was told she couldn't wear her military stole while receiving her diploma, so she spoke out and started a petition. At the last minute, the district reversed its decision.
Daniela Rascon-Rivas was a week from graduating when a school official told the Mesa High School student, who is preparing to join the Arizona National Guard, that she couldn't wear her military stole during the ceremony, CBS affiliate KHOU reported.
'Mesa High is not allowing me or my classmates to walk the stage this Thursday with our military stoles on,' the student wrote on X on Monday, May 19. 'I am proud of my country and being able to serve. I want my community to know I am fighting for them!'
When reached for comment, Mesa Public Schools told the outlet that the reason was rooted in a long-time policy, but that students were permitted to wear stoles after the ceremony.
'Mesa High upholds a longstanding tradition of unity at graduation, in alignment with district policy 5-217.D and state law ARS 15-348, that promotes uniformity during the ceremony by limiting adornments on graduation attire,' the school said, according to KHOU.
The response was not enough for Rascon-Rivas, who started an online petition to amend the policy, the outlet reported.
When he heard of the news, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne offered his support and urged the district to reconsider.
'This country owes its existence to the bravery of people willing to fight for our freedoms. Miss Rascon-Rivas has done a tremendous amount of extra work to prepare for service in the Arizona National Guard, which she will join after she graduates,' he said in a statement on Wednesday, May 21. 'This goes above and beyond the efforts required to graduate high school and deserves praise and recognition."
That same day, the school district announced it was revsiting its policy, making it so that all students who have formally enlisted can wear military stoles while walking across the graduation stage, CBS affiliate KOLD and NBC affiliate KPNX reported.
'This is an important and appropriate way to recognize the commitment of our students who are preparing to serve in the United States military,' incoming Superintendent Dr. Matthew Strom told KOLD. 'Graduation marks a major milestone, and it is fitting that students entering military service are honored for their choice to serve our nation.'
The updated policy will be presented at the school district's governing board during the summer, according to KOLD.
Neither Rascon-Rivas, Horne nor Mesa Public School immediately responded to PEOPLE's requests for comment.
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After the change was announced, Horne applauded the decision.
When she graduated on Thursday, May 22, Rascon-Rivas shared an image of a card on her Instagram Story that read, "Thank you for your commitment to the Arizona Army National Guard. Congratulations on your graduation."
Read the original article on People