Theo’s Law: No Student With Disabilities Should Be Denied Graduation

A Mother’s Fight to Close a Gap in Georgia Law and Inspire Nationwide Change

Created by The Stoner Family

In 2020, our son, Thelonious “Theo” Stoner, a profoundly autistic and nonverbal student, earned his diploma from Valdosta High School.

His cap and gown were paid for. His graduation was planned. He deserved the same recognition as his classmates.

Yet, despite the school providing two make-up graduation opportunities, special education students were not included.

Our son earned his diploma. What he was denied was his moment.

After five years of advocacy, Theo was finally given the opportunity to participate in a graduation ceremony in 2026. But no family should have to fight five years for recognition their child has already earned.

The Legal Gap I Discovered

While researching our son’s rights, I discovered a troubling gap in the law.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 34 C.F.R. § 300.107, protects equal opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in nonacademic and extracurricular activities.

Georgia’s State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.48 establishes graduation requirements but does not expressly guarantee an alternative graduation ceremony when a student cannot attend because of disability or medical necessity.

In Dolinger v. Driver, 269 Ga. 141 (1998), the Georgia Supreme Court also recognized that graduation ceremony participation is not an independent constitutional due-process right.

The gap is clear: Existing protections do not expressly guarantee a timely make up graduation opportunity for a student excluded by circumstances beyond their control.

My Proposal: Theo’s Law

I drafted Theo’s Law to close that gap.

The proposed legislation would require Georgia public schools to provide students who have completed their graduation requirements, but cannot attend because of verified disability related, medical, or emergency circumstances, a reasonable opportunity to participate in a future commencement or receive equivalent, dignified recognition.

Graduation recognition should be protected by clear policy, not left to discretion or years of advocacy.

This Is Bigger Than Theo

For students with profound disabilities, graduation may be one of the few major milestones their families ever witness.

It is not simply walking across a stage. It is being seen, acknowledged, and celebrated.

Theo’s Law is not about special treatment. It is about equal treatment.

Our mission begins in Georgia, with the hope of inspiring protections nationwide.

This is not a Republican or Democratic issue. It is a matter of dignity, fairness, and basic human decency.

Theo earned his moment. Every student deserves theirs.

Please sign and share to help us turn one family’s five-year fight into lasting protection for future generations.

— The Stoner Family

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Names and story shared with permission. Contact information available upon verified request from media, lawmakers, or education officials.