• March 28, 2024

Marine ‘Turned Away’ From High School Graduation For Not ‘Conforming With Dress Code’

 Marine ‘Turned Away’ From High School Graduation For Not ‘Conforming With Dress Code’

Jacob Dalton Stanley showed up for his senior class graduation dressed in his Marine uniform. The former Crown Point High School senior had completed his boot camp training on Friday and had flown back home for his graduation on Tuesday night.

He attended the graduation rehearsals with his classmates, and was told by the principal that he would not be allowed to graduate if he was wearing his uniform.

He ignored the principal’s warning, and showed up in the uniform. He was turned away, and his name was not read as they were handing out the diplomas.

Chip Pettit, the school principal, maintained that the school’s policy mandated adherence to the uniform dress code during graduation. Students wear a standard cap and gown, and those with special distinctions wear stoles or chords over the gowns.

“This practice has served us well as it has allowed the class to show unity by dressing the same, but also allowing for individual accomplishments to be recognized by wearing stoles and chords,” Pettit stated.

He continued: “Last night, at our 135th graduation ceremony, students in all of the aforementioned groups wore their gowns, stoles and chords with great pride. We have continued wearing the traditional gown as this is the last formal event of the year and a celebration of the time our graduating seniors have spent at Crown Point High School. This tradition is not intended to be disrespectful to students, parents, or our community, but as a source of pride for our students. It is also not intended to be disrespectful to our students choosing to serve in the military, our active duty servicemen and women and our veterans. We are forever grateful for the sacrifices that they make on a daily basis for our freedom.”

Stanley’s classmates were outraged by the principal’s decision.

Leann Tustison, one of the graduates, said that the decision was “Absolutely ridiculous. He’s in the military putting his life on the line for us.”

“It’s unacceptable that he was not allowed to walk across the stage. If he wants to walk across the stage in his uniform that he worked so hard for and earned, he should have the right to do that. That’s his achievement. They honored other people’s achievements whether they were in triathlon or other activities,” she continued.

Marine Corps Major Clark Carpenter stated that the military was not involved with the dress code set by schools for their graduations.

“The Marine Corps does not dictate what specific high schoolers can or cannot graduate in. That decision is up to school leadership,” he said.

4 Comments

  • Should have went and kicked all their candy asses,starting with the principal…what a bunch of a##h##es!!

  • He was told ahead of time and if they allowed him to do as he wanted then there would be others that wanted to do it their way. No am not against the military as served in the Army myself.

  • This is ridiculous to turn away a member of our armed service that has a uniform on. they are willing to die for you and the country but you have a dress code against them? You should be flogged and run out of town for such bad decision as your so called code. These servicemen have a much higher code than you will ever know or experience and you should be shamed out of office right on your big asses!

  • Cancel the principal.

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