Graduation controversy at Petaluma High

June 1, 2005

By EMILY BRADY
ARGUS-COURIER STAFF

It's a tradition that dates back centuries. The long robes and square hats high school and college graduates wear when they receive their diplomas became de rigeur in the 12th century, back when universities were still deeply intertwined with the church. In the last 700 years, thick wool robes have given way to lightweight polyester, but little else has changed. Every year across the country the cap and gown remain the dress of the day for millions of graduating students.


This year, however, the traditional dress of the graduate has become the center of a controversy at Petaluma High School.


Jim and Kim Kiernan decided to challenge the custom in the name of their son Steven, who just finished Marine boot camp. They'd like to see him graduate from Petaluma High School on June 11 in his military uniform.


http://www.arguscourier.com/news/news/marinegrad050601.html

*shrug* people are allowed to wear there millitary uniforms while graduating to my school's graduation if they choose.

Seems to me, it's his day. Let him wear what he has worked so hard to do these past several years.

I side with the school.

But I think after the ceremony he should bust out of the robe and show his uniform.

I side with the school.

But I think after the ceremony he should bust out of the robe and show his uniform.:stupid:

I side with the school.

But I think after the ceremony he should bust out of the robe and show his uniform.
If a nudist instead of a soldier did this would you agree with this busting out? :|

Where I went to school was a public academic high school, but at that time was all-girls. This school and the "all-boys" school down the road are now both co-ed.

Anyway, here was our school's policy. Each year the senior class votes on their attire for graduation. The choices were: cap and gown, or white dresses (which historically was what all grads wore, going back as far as the first graduating class).

Only one class in the school's history (up to my own year of graduation) ever selected cap and gown. No, not my class - the girls who graduated the year before me.


Although I side with the school on this one, perhaps they should consider the idea of letting the senior class vote on the issue in the future. Surely the school officials could come up with a decent list of options?

If a nudist instead of a soldier did this would you agree with this busting out? :|
Only if she were a hot eighteen year old babe and I had my camera ready.

If a nudist instead of a soldier did this would you agree with this busting out? :|
Of course not. That would be uncivilized. :|
Only if she were a hot eighteen year old babe and I had my camera ready.
High school graduation is a once in a lifetime event. :nice:

I side with the school.

But I think after the ceremony he should bust out of the robe and show his uniform.

I agree with Jojo. And as a marine he should be respectful of traditions and correct uniform anyway. I doubt the Marines would be happy with him not wearing the correct uniform to an offical ceremony with them.

Hugs

lilnymph

If a nudist instead of a soldier did this would you agree with this busting out? :|

BUT he is NOT a nudist....he's a Marine. It would make a difference to me.