Marine Can’t Wear Uniform at Graduation

I have been following this on the news, and I actually have mixed emotions about this.

I think the school board has standards that they can set for graduation requirements, including ceremonies. That is, they can order the “uniform of the day” at their discretion, including Honors Chords. .

On the other hand, if this were a prom where he is being denied the right to wear his uniform, it would be an entirely different story.

This bull dukey seems to happen somewhere every year.  Freekin' bleeding heart liberal educators.  I'd show up in the uniform anyway and fight them tooth & nail.

These administrations seem to take delight with a Dress Code, one night a year.  But I'd bet they allow a lot of showing ass-cracks with the baggy pants the rest of the school year.

Chris wasn't allowed to wear his uniform when he graduated from college. I think they are making to much out of this. There is a dress code and it is a tradition for students to wear a cap and gown.

Has he even finished boot camp yet?

The Bloomer School Board has denied Daniel Ligen’s request to wear his Marine uniform. Ligen finished his class work early in order to enlist and will be done with basic training at the San Diego Marine base by graduation May 31. 

Then there is this:

Martin said he talked with military officials who agreed with the uniformity rule of Bloomer's graduation.
"Their comment was 'the military is all about uniformity, and if they uniform of a high school graduate is the cap and grown, the graduate should wear the cap and gown,' " said Martin.
He underlines that the school honors those who serve America through the military.
"We salute our students who choose that path," states Martin.
"We do take time during the ceremony to introduce kids who have selected that path and acknowledge them during the ceremony. We have a senior awards banquet the Wednesday before graduation, and we encourage the man to wear his uniform there."

As far as I can remember Marine Blues, Navy whites or blues, or Army or Air Force Class A's were always in line to walk across the stage to get their diploma.

I've never known a Marine who graduated high school after becoming a Marine. They either graduated before they enlisted or got drafted or they got a GED after they were in the Corps.

I didn't know they personally, but I have seen them, when attending H.S. Graduations in California and Alabama.

BamaMarine7276:

I've never known a Marine who graduated high school after becoming a Marine. They either graduated before they enlisted or got drafted or they got a GED after they were in the Corps.

He completed his work before Boot Camp and is only returning to get his paper.

I'd wear my uniform and stay in my chair, stand when my name is called and pick it up after.

abide by the rules of the school.how about wearing his Blues under the robe?

It must be May - we have this discussion every single year.

You do not ever wear something over your uniform. 

The school sets the policy - period.

My son has enough credits to graduate right now, he is a Junior, but needs Senior English. If he completed Senior English in the first Semester of next school year, he could go to Parris Island, complete Recruit training and be home in time to graduate with the rest of his class in May.  Many students have their graduation credits done by the end of the first semester, or dont have enough and have to return the following semester to earn them. 

 This Marine wouldnt wear his cap and gown to a Marine Recruit training graduatin would he? 

The uniform of the day is cap and gown.  If you earned your doctorate at college you dont wear scrubs to the graduation, you wear a cap and gown.

I can imagine how much he'd like to wear the uniform he's earned, especially at that age, in the presence of his friends.  But, as he learned in boot camp, rules are rules, and that's part of what makes for consistency and unit cohesion and mission accomplishment.

If he's given a dispensation, no matter how worthy his uniform and accomplishments are, how much you want to bet the ACLU will find a Junior Black Panther, an Obama Girls  Sweetheart, a Farrakhan's Hip  Hop Ranger, or some other "minority" emblem/uniform to get equal treatment under the law for next year's graduation.

Sauce for the goose...  .

The school is right, IMHO, in looking past the great idea of having one of their own wear the Blues at the ceremony, because as neat as that would be, it would also be the camel's nose under the tent, given an ambitious trouble-making lawyer or two.

Top:

 

 This Marine wouldnt wear his cap and gown to a Marine Recruit training graduatin would he? 

Top, anyone can graduate from high school.

I have attended HS graduations at Oxnard HS, Santa Clara HS, St Boneventure HS, Oceanside HS, Helix HS, BB Comer HS, Garfield HS.......I saw uniformes of every Armed Service in line with the other "Cap & GownS".

IMHO it's those freekin' liberal educators who have a wild hair up where the sun don't shine who are 100% against the American military and all that it stands for...and you know that 99% of them never raised their right hand to defend the Constitution.

It's also those sheep who must follow "the rules" and not cause any waves or upset any other people. 

John, **** off about educators. I really resent that. You know god damned right well not all educators are like that. In my school district, through the years, there has been many former military educators. You even know some of them. Don't generalize. This is coming from school board members who are not educators, but citizens of the community.

At CR, we have had at least 16 former Viet Nam vets, former Navy officers and enlisted men, three Army officers, etc. There are still about 12 teachers in my district that are in the reserves, four that have been deployed within the last three years.

I'm with the school on this.  You let this Marine wear his DB's, next thing will be a Wiccan, gang member, white supremacist, or some other nut, and they'll have to.  You let one, you have to let 'em all.  Dress Blues are appropriate in many places, but not here.  Heck, there are many times while you're in the service and go to a honorable event that DB's aren't the proper attire. 

JimMc:

John, **** off about educators. I really resent that. You know god damned right well not all educators are like that. In my school district, through the years, there has been many former military educators. You even know some of them. Don't generalize. This is coming from school board members who are not educators, but citizens of the community.

At CR, we have had at least 16 former Viet Nam vets, former Navy officers and enlisted men, three Army officers, etc. There are still about 12 teachers in my district that are in the reserves, four that have been deployed within the last three years.

I am afraid that your school district is far from the norm.  Don't get your skivvies in a knot by what I say.  Does your school board forbid young men and women from wearing their military uniforms to their graduations?  If it does then are you or any of the 16 former vets on the school board?  I seriously doubt it.  Don't tell me that the vast majority of American educators are not tree-huggin', granola-eatin', Birkenstock-wearin' liberal azzhats who HATE the military and all that it stands for.  They ban recruiters from their campuses.  They ban wearing of uniforms to graduations. They denigrate the military and coach young folks to NOT join.  They tell them that people who join the military are losers and failures.  And sadly you know that it is true.

John Wear:

I am afraid that your school district is far from the norm.  Don't get your skivvies in a knot by what I say.  Does your school board forbid young men and women from wearing their military uniforms to their graduations?  If it does then are you or any of the 16 former vets on the school board?  I seriously doubt it.  Don't tell me that the vast majority of American educators are not tree-huggin', granola-eatin', Birkenstock-wearin' liberal azzhats who HATE the military and all that it stands for.  They ban recruiters from their campuses.  They ban wearing of uniforms to graduations. They denigrate the military and coach young folks to NOT join.  They tell them that people who join the military are losers and failures.  And sadly you know that it is true.

 

I have to admit that my mother is one of those tree-hugging, granola-eating,Birkenstock-wearing Teachers - BUT she supports my husband. Is proud of what he has chosen to do, and would have NEVER denied someone their right to wear their uniform... In fact, she's gladly welcomed him into her classroom to talk to students, so that they can hear about what is going on in the sandbox from someone whose actually been there - as opposed to others who only "teach" about what is in the news, without any voice from the other side.

John, I have been to four graduations from my four kid's colleges. Katie, at Penn State had many ROTC guys, both Naval ROTC and Army ROTC graduate in their dress uniforms. Ryan and Tim both went to St. Joseph's Univeristy, where they have Army ROTC. There were many graduates in their Army dress uniforms. The above is about a kid in high school, who the SCHOOL BORAD said can't graduate in uniform. THEY ARE NOT EDUCATORS. THEY ARE PRIVATE CITIZENS.

Are there educators that are all of your above rant? Of course there is. There are also lawyers, doctors, accountants, florists, and many other professions that are liberal. My school district is the norm. I read an article, not that long ago, of how many teachers, both male and female, are being called up in their reserve units to go serve.

Jimmy Mac:  Thank you for your gleaming examples of American service.  I think that they are wonderful people and those individuals may not be bad mouthing the military but I am not convinced that they are exceptions to the norm.  Council Rock in not a "normal" school district.  It is far above the norm...versus school districts in Allentown or Altoon, Erie or Lancaster.

My thought is that if a school board can, quote "They ban recruiters from their campuses.  They ban wearing of uniforms to graduations. They denigrate the military and coach young folks to NOT join.  They tell them that people who join the military are losers and failures."

Why then can't they LET someone wear their uniform to graduation then tell the Wiccan to go burn a Rowan tree?

Why? Cause our nation is full of pansies. PC wimps and liberal, socialist  Kennedy types..... 

 I don't know the cure....

I dont recall if I shared this incident here or not.  One of my 8th grade daughters teachers made a remark like that (having to join the military if she graduated with no college goals).  I reminded him that I am a retired Marine, and he actually (and another teacher supported him) said that he could say things like that since he had served in the Navy. grrrrrrrrr

Educators Workshop Information 2008

These are just a few misconceptions people have about the military, in particular the Marine Corps. Every day recruiters try to convince people they talk to that this isn't the case, but it can be an uphill battle.  It is toward this end that the Marine Corps sponsors Educator Workshops for school faculty, to help dispel these myths to those who influence young men and women interested in the Marine Corps. The workshops take educators to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego for a week-long visit to learn how Marines are made, and how the Corps can benefit their students. "There are a lot of educators who have almost no knowledge about the military," said Cpl Renee Krusemark, marketing and public affairs representative for RS Denver. "By taking them to where we train they gain an appreciation for our way of life, take it back to their schools, and share their experiences with students and other faculty members." About 300 educators from schools in the 8^th District took part in the workshop last year. "Every educator who attended the workshop personally expressed his or her gratitude for being included on the trip and expressed a new appreciation for the Marine Corps," Krusemark added. There is usually a major shift in the teachers' attitudes from the beginning of the workshop to the end, according to Staff Sgt. Alexis R. Mulero, marketing and public affairs representative for RS Houston. "A lot of the educators we take on these workshops see the Marine Corps almost as a last option for their students," said Mulero. "But now they realize that the Marine Corps needs smart, educated young men and women, and that going to the Marines is a valuable experience." Once in San Diego, any preconceived notions visitors had about the Marine Corps are done away with, as they see drill instructors and recruits in action. But don't take our word for it, here are some testimonials from educators who have attended the program:

 - "All of my misconceptions about the Marines have been crushed. This was one of the most enlightening experiences in my life. You have made me even more proud to be an American."

- "I noticed that all the Marines felt proud to be Marines and truly a part of something. I will now be likely to recommend the Marines to my top students."

- "I have been inspired personally and professionally by my experience. I am so positively motivated to do my very best no matter what, and I will demonstrate this to my students."

- "This workshop has been very helpful and covered everything necessary to understand how you take and 18-year-old "kid" and change them into Marines, and productive citizens. Very impressive!"

- "I have a better understanding of what the Marines are looking for in our students and how I can better help the Marine Corps find the few good men and women to contribute to the rich history and awesome work of the Corps."

Day ONE

Educators are flown to San Diego. After arriving, educators are taken to the hotel. Following hotel registration, a reception dinner is held to introduce educators to their Marine escorts and go over the week's activities.

Day TWO                                                                                                                  

Visitors depart the hotel early in the morning to visit Marine Corps "Boot Camp." There, they will receive an introduction to recruit training while standing on the legendary "Yellow Footprints." Educators will also see and experience the new world that young recruits step into when they first arrive at the depot. The Commanding General of the recruit depot then welcomes them to the depot and answers initial questions about recruit training. They observe how recruits are gradually tested and challenged under the watchful eye of their drill instructors and talk with recruits about their experiences, fears, present attitudes, and graduation. The day-long tour of the depot includes lunch with recruits, a squad bay tour, and a museum tour.

Day THREE

Guests travel up the coastline from San Diego to visit Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. While on one of the nation's largest amphibious training bases, recruits spend two weeks on the rifle range learning to fire the M16A4 service rifle. While aboard Camp Pendleton, educators will get the opportunity to talk to Marines in various combat arms fields and see Marines using the latest in warfare technology. Also, they will witness the newest addition to training Marines -- the Crucible. The Crucible is 54 hours of intense, training which tests the recruits' mastery of the skills and knowledge they received throughout recruit training.

Day FOUR

After breakfast, visitors board buses that will take them to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Miramar leads the way in combat jet aviation with a dynamic lineage of combat fighters and aircraft. Upon their return from Miramar, educators will witness the Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony, where recruits are called Marines for the first time.

Day FIVE

On the last day of the workshop, the group is invited back to the Recruit Depot to view the Recruit Graduation Ceremony.  By the final day of their visit, teachers and community leaders will have witnessed how the finest fighting force in the history of the world is trained. Graduation serves as a commemoration of the hard work, sweat and tears that went into the making of these Marines. 

What to bring

Please remember, this is a walking tour and takes place mostly outdoors.

Casual/informal attire is recommended with the following guidelines:

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there will be some walking over dirt and gravel.  Tennis shoes are appropriate.