High school graduation ceremonies shall be held to recognize those students who have earned a diploma by successfully completing the required course of study, satisfying district standards, and passing any required assessments. The Board of Trustees believes that these students deserve the privilege of a public celebration that recognizes the significance of their achievement and encourages them to continue the pursuit of learning throughout their lives.
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
(cf. 6146. 1 - High School Graduation Requirements)
(cf. 6162.52 - High School Exit Examination)
(cf. 6146.4 - Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Students with Disabilities)
Any special education student who has completed one of the following may participate in graduation ceremonies and activities:
1. Has satisfactorily completed a prescribed alternative course of study approved by the Board of Trustees; or
2. Has satisfactorily met his or her IEP goals and objectives during high school as determined by the IEP team; or
3. Has satisfactorily attended high school, participated in the instruction as prescribed in his or her IEP, and has met the objectives of the transition services.
(cf. 6146.2 - Certificate of Proficiency/High School Equivalency)
(cf. 5126 - Awards Of Achievement)
In accordance with school-site rules, the principal may deny a student the privilege of participating in graduation or promotion activities because of misconduct.
(cf. 1330 - Use of School Facilities)
(cf. 5144 - Student Discipline Policy and Procedure)
Invocations, prayers, or benedictions shall not be included in graduation ceremonies. The school or district shall not sponsor other ceremonies or programs for graduates that include prayer.
(cf. 1330 - Use of School Facilities)
(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression)
Conduct at Graduation Ceremonies
Any student participating in a graduation ceremony shall comply with district policies and regulations pertaining to student conduct.
(cf. 5131 - Conduct)
The Superintendent or designee may require graduating students to wear ceremonial attire, such as cap and gown, at the ceremony.
However, any graduating student who has completed basic training and is an active member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces may, at his/her option, wear his/her military dress uniform at the ceremony. (Education Code 35183.3)
Disciplinary Considerations
In order to encourage high standards of student conduct and behavior, the principal may deny a student the privilege of participating in graduation ceremonies and/or activities in accordance with school rules. Prior to denial of the privilege, the student, and where practicable his/her parent/guardian, shall be made aware of the grounds for such denial and shall be given an opportunity to respond. If a privilege is to be denied, the student and parent/guardian shall receive written notice of the denied privilege and the means whereby he/she may appeal the decision.
(cf. 5125.2 - Withholding Grades, Diploma or Transcripts)
(cf. 5144 - Discipline)
(cf. 6161.2 - Damaged or Lost Instructional Materials)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
35183.3 Graduation ceremonies; military dress uniforms
38119 Lease of personal property; caps and gowns
48904 Liability of parent or guardian; withholding of grades, diplomas, transcripts
51225.5 Honorary diplomas; foreign exchange students
51410-51412 Diplomas
COURT DECISIONS
Cole v. Oroville Union High School District, (2000, 9th Cir.) 228 F.3d 1092
Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe, (2000) 530 U.S. 290
Lee v. Weisman, (1992) 505 U.S. 577
Sands v. Morongo Unified School District, (1991) 53 Cal. 3d 863Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971) 403 U.S. 602
Management Resources:
WEB SITES
California Department of Education, High School: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs/
Policy TAMALPAIS UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: January 26, 1993 Larkspur, California
revised: February 22, 2000
revised: October 24, 2017