We, the undersigned students, parents, and community members, respectfully request that the district reconsider its recently adopted policy prohibiting the decoration of graduation caps during commencement ceremonies.

Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone that celebrates years of dedication, perseverance, and personal growth. For many students, decorating a graduation cap is a meaningful tradition that allows them to express their individuality, honor their families, recognize their cultural heritage, thank mentors, or commemorate the challenges they have overcome on the journey to earning their diploma.

We understand and respect the district’s responsibility to maintain a safe, organized, and respectful graduation ceremony. However, we believe these goals can be achieved without a complete ban on graduation cap decorations.

Instead, we respectfully propose a policy that permits cap decorations while establishing reasonable guidelines, such as:

Decorations must remain within the dimensions of the graduation cap.
Decorations may not contain profanity, hate speech, discriminatory messages, or inappropriate images.
Decorations may not obstruct the view of other graduates or interfere with the ceremony.
Decorations must be securely attached and may not create safety hazards or excessive debris.
This approach would preserve the professionalism and dignity of the ceremony while allowing students to celebrate one of the most significant accomplishments of their lives in a personal and meaningful way.

We respectfully ask the district to review this policy and consider adopting a balanced alternative that reflects both the district’s standards and the voices of its graduating students.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to supporting the students and families of our district.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned Students, Parents, Alumni, and Community Members