Controversy over wearing cultural sashes at graduation ceremonies.
TL;DR
Naomi Peña Villasano wore a sash honoring her Mexican-American heritage at her high school graduation ceremony, despite violating the school district's policy. After a month-long dispute and a court decision against her, Peña Villasano was allowed to wear the sash and received applause from her family and a fist-bump from the principal. The controversy over cultural regalia at graduation ceremonies has made headlines and even reached a federal courtroom. Peña Villasano hopes to advocate for changes to future policy and expand rights for students to wear cultural regalia at graduation ceremonies through state legislation.
- Western Slope senior sports sash at graduation ceremony, despite school policy Colorado Public Radio
- Judge rules Colorado student cannot wear a sash with Mexican and American flags during graduation CNN
- Student Cannot Wear Sash of Mexican and U.S. Flags at Graduation, Judge Rules The New York Times
- US high school student defies court, wears Mexican flag sash at graduation Business Insider
- Parachute teen defies district policy, wears Mexican stole to graduate The Colorado Sun
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