ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION - 5127
Honors and Awards
To honor superior academic achievement and significant service to the school, graduation ceremonies shall include recognition of students who meet honors criteria as decided and published by each school. This may be based on Grade Point Average (GPA), Honor Society membership, or other site designations. A separate awards program may be held to recognize graduating students receiving other school and non-school awards.
Graduation Attire
The Superintendent or designee may require graduating students to wear ceremonial attire, such as cap and gown, at the ceremony. Students will have the opportunity to purchase graduation attire or have it provided for them by the school. Caps and gowns on loan must be returned to the school by the designated date.
Any graduating student who has completed basic training and is an active member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces may, at the student's option, wear a military dress uniform at the ceremony in place of the traditional cap and gown. (Education Code 35183.3)
Students shall be permitted to wear tribal regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance as an adornment to the customary ceremonial attire, as long as the adornment does not cause a substantial disruption of, or material interference with, the graduation ceremony. (Education Code 35183.1) Personalization of such adornments may cause the request to not be approved.
Students who desire to wear such adornments shall seek permission from the school principal at least 20 school days before the graduation ceremony as defined in the process below.
Education Code section 35183.1(b) defines the following terms.
Adornment is something attached to, or worn with, but not replacing, the cap and gown customarily worn at school graduation ceremonies.
Cultural is defined as recognized practices and traditions of a certain group of people.
Political symbols or flags will not be permitted. Adornments that are not commonly associated with a defined culture will also not be permitted.
Process for requesting permission for adornments:
- A student submits in writing to the school principal the request to wear tribal regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance as an adornment to the customary ceremonial attire. This request should include a description of the significance and a picture of the adornment, with measurements to approximate size. The request must be made prior to or within 20 school days of the graduation ceremony.
- The Principal considers the request and responds at least 10 school days prior to the graduation ceremony.
- As needed, appeals can be made in writing to the office of the Executive Director of Secondary Education. A panel of district level administrators will be convened to consider the appeal and will provide a response within five school days from the date of the appeal submission.
Disciplinary Considerations Students are expected to comply with district and school policies, regulations, and rules throughout the school session, including during graduation/promotion ceremonies and related events. Students shall not be denied the privilege of participating in graduation or promotion ceremonies and activities except as discipline in cases of serious misconduct. A student shall not be denied participation in graduation ceremonies unless the principal or designee has informed the student and the student's parents/guardians of the misconduct and has given them an opportunity to respond.
During the graduation/promotion ceremony, a student may be removed from the ceremony for conduct that is disruptive or that poses a risk to safety.
High school seniors shall be notified of this policy in advance, through the student handbook or other means, and shall be required to acknowledge receipt.
Adopted: January 23, 2024