27-05-2025
Judge sides with ACLU in lawsuit against CCSD over graduation stole ban
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Clark County School District will issue updated guidance to graduating seniors and school administrators Monday after a federal judge ruled in favor of student expression in a case brought by the ACLU of Nevada.
During an emergency court hearing Sunday, U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware found that two stoles, one featuring the phrase 'Black Girl Magic' on kente cloth and another representing the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada's Emerging Leaders Program, were lawfully protected under the First Amendment.
Both stoles had previously been denied by a school administrator.
The decision prompted an agreement between the district and the ACLU requiring CCSD to notify all graduates and school leaders by 3 p.m. with clear guidance on what is permitted at graduation ceremonies.
Graduates will be allowed to wear up to five stoles and may decorate their caps and gowns with flat adornments.
Decorations must not be lewd, obscene, vulgar, profane, or promote violence, illegal drug use, harassment, bullying, or discrimination.
If any decoration or item is found to be substantially disruptive or materially interfering with the ceremony, the graduate may be asked to remove it to participate.
While certain items may still be restricted, any prohibition must be consistent with the First Amendment and state law.
Pre-approval of stoles and flat cap decorations will not be required, effectively lifting previous deadlines.
This new policy will apply to all high schools within the CCSD.
'It was important for us to bring this case because if we didn't, our client would have been prohibited from wearing her stole that reads 'Black Girl Magic' and those graduates in our Emerging Leaders Youth Leadership Program would have have met the same fate depending on the school they attend. It was also important for us to ensure CCSD complies with the law and school faculty and administrators do not get to be the arbiters of the First Amendment based on their own viewpoints. Consistency matters across CCSD. The First Amendment is for everyone. ACLU of Nevada will always fight to make sure that's a reality, and we are grateful to the Judge in this matter for hearing this case when he did in an emergency fashion. You only graduate high school once and this moment is a time for graduates to celebrate their cultures, not experience censorship. We are grateful to spend our Memorial Day weekend defending the First Amendment.'
ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Athar Haseebullah
The ACLU is urging all administrators who receive the updated guidance to ensure their staff comply, warning that any violations could lead to further litigation, including potential claims for damages.
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