ACLU sues Nevada school district over graduation regalia policy
Share and Follow


LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Although Nevada has a law that allows students to wear certain regalia on their caps and gowns at school graduation ceremonies, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit on behalf of a student, stating that the Las Vegas-area Clark County School District isn’t following the law.

“For the fourth year in a row, we are again hearing stories about CCSD schools enforcing unconstitutional restrictions on students’ decorating their caps and gowns at their high school graduation,” the ACLU said in a news release. “Our clients and their families deserve the right to express themselves and celebrate their graduation.”

The law states that students are “entitled to wear traditional tribal regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance as an adornment at a school graduation ceremony.” However, school boards and school officials can ban a specific item if it’s “likely to cause a substantial disruption of, or material interference with, [a graduation] ceremony.”

The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, said the graduating student wanted to wear the following items:

  • A stole with the written message “Black Girl Magic” to represent herself
  • A black and red stole to represent her time with the ACLU of Nevada’s Emerging Leaders program
  • A pin signifying her membership in the National Honor Society
  • The stoles and cords provided by her school signify her achievements at a local career and technical academy
  • A cap decorated with small paper flowers, gems and crystals

The ACLU gave all the students in its Nevada Emerging Leaders program a graduation stole and pin to wear at graduation and states in the suit that not being able to wear these violates the Nevada law and the First Amendment.

The suit contends that CCSD has not provided proper guidance to schools, causing individual schools to create their own guidelines.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Ron DeSantis' wife Casey mercilessly mocked for fashion faux pas

Casey DeSantis Faces Fashion Criticism as Social Media Reacts to Wardrobe Blunder

While imitation is often considered the sincerest form of flattery, Florida’s first…
Fashion student, 23, killed during Iran anti-regime protests

Tragic Loss: 23-Year-Old Fashion Student’s Life Cut Short Amid Iran’s Anti-Regime Protests

A 23-year-old fashion student, who aspired to move to Milan, was tragically…
Real reason Amanda Seyfried grimaced at Golden Globes

Amanda Seyfried’s Surprising Reaction at the Golden Globes: What Really Happened?

At this year’s Golden Globe Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton hotel…
Harvey news: Mayor misses Harvey City Council's first meeting in months as financial crisis continues, frustrating residents

Harvey Mayor Absent from Key City Council Meeting Amid Ongoing Financial Struggles, Leaving Residents Frustrated

The city of Harvey, Illinois, convened its City Council meeting on Monday…
Glen Powell and Michelle Randolph hit first event together

Hollywood’s New Power Couple: Glen Powell and Michelle Randolph Make Their Red Carpet Debut

In the realm of comedy and musical films, the coveted Best Picture…
Florida sheriff Grady Judd fires off warning to gangsters after 'Sex, Money, Murder' kingpin taken down

Florida Sheriff Grady Judd Issues Stern Warning to Gang Leaders Following Arrest of ‘Sex, Money, Murder’ Ringleader

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – In a decisive victory for law enforcement, Florida…
Dear Abby: My grandson estranged himself from our family — should I try to keep in touch?

Dear Abby: Should I Maintain Contact with My Estranged Grandson?

DEAR ABBY: My grandson, “Ethan,” and his fiancee lived with his mother…
Mississippi synagogue arson suspect's dad turns him in after laughing confession, FBI says

Father Reports Son to Authorities Following Alleged Confession to Mississippi Synagogue Arson, FBI Reveals

An individual accused of igniting a blaze at a Mississippi synagogue, previously…