Student Cannot Wear Sash of Mexican and U.S. Flags at Graduation, Judge Rules
The New York Times A high school senior sued a Colorado school district after she was told she could not wear the sash celebrating her heritage at her commencement ceremony.
A federal judge on Friday upheld a decision barring a student from wearing a sash honoring her Mexican American heritage to her graduation ceremony after the high school senior sued her Colorado school district.
In the lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, lawyers for the student, Naomi Pea Villasano, said she was told by the school principals secretary that she could not wear the sash because allowing that regalia would open too many doors.
Lawyers for Ms. Villasano, 18, wrote in the suit that the sash is a reminder that not all Mexican Americans, including her parents, have the opportunity to graduate from high school and to walk across a graduation stage.
They added, By wearing the sash, Naomi represents her family, her identity as a Mexican American and her culture during this important occasion.
