With the graduation rules announced, the excitement of tossing caps and saying goodbye is being overshadowed by confusion and frustration. Senior students are voicing concerns that these regulations are turning what should be a memorable milestone into a bureaucratic hurdle. So, what rules are causing this frustration, and how can a middle ground be reached that satisfies both sides?
Recently, a sheet was distributed to seniors containing event dates, graduation ticket sales, cap and gown orders, and the graduation arena rules for both students and family members. The response was mixed, with some rules going unnoticed by students while others sparked anger.
The rules that annoyed me are any rules that don’t allow for creativity and a sense of freedom because it feels like whoever set these rules doesn’t trust us,” said Laura Guo (12).
The rules that have been most criticized include no custom cords and stoles, no decorating caps, no senior quotes, and more. The common thread among these rules is that they either limit a student’s freedom or diversity.
“I had traditional, custom cords and stoles that my parents wanted me to wear, and now I can’t,” said Gavin Gonzales (12). “I have a feeling that many students have this issue, where they have cultural traditions with stoles and cords. By banning them, it feels disrespectful.”
Speculation about whether the rules are justifiable is mixed. Some students believe the rules exist to ensure a smooth graduation process and offer protection. They suspect that past mistakes made by seniors may have prompted the district to implement these measures. However, many question the strictness of the rules that limit fun and creativity. Overall, students seem divided on whether the rules are justified.
There is also curiosity about why students feel frustrated with these regulations. Some argue that the restrictions stifle their ability to express themselves, especially as they try to document their last year of high school with meaningful symbols. Others feel that some rules are unnecessary, as they don’t serve a clear purpose, and unfair, as other schools allow more freedom. Many different opinions are circulating.
“The weight of the restrictions is causing the fun part of graduating not to be so fun anymore, which is what causes the students to be frustrated,” said Jayson Campos (12). “Also, it gives off the vibe that they don’t trust us enough to make responsible choices.”
Curiosity about the sudden change in rules is mixed. Some students believe graduation rules are in place to ensure smooth operations and protect them, though they question the strictness of some of the more “fun” rules. There are still rules that students agree are fair.
“Not bringing signs and noisemakers into the arena makes sense because they can be distracting for the other audience members,” said Guo.
Other discussed rules included the balloon restriction, as it could distract the audience and block views for those filming, as well as the phone rule, which aims to minimize distractions and ensure respect among students. While students generally understand that rules are necessary, they feel that some could be improved.
“A possible solution is to have faith in us to make the right choices. If they feel it’s necessary, they can do a check to ensure things are appropriate,” said Campos.
Other suggestions for decorated caps include allowing caps that are appropriate while taking away inappropriate ones or replacing them with blank caps. For senior quotes, students recommend checking for inappropriateness and allowing students to revise with more suitable options. Additionally, relaxing some of the more stringent rules could ease the frustration.
“I feel like for some of the rules, they just need to lessen the restrictions. For example, allowing traditional custom cords and stoles. In my case, some of the things they are banning are not necessary because they’re harmless,” said Gonzales.
The implementation of these graduation rules at Ayala is causing significant discontent among senior students, who feel the regulations are turning a celebratory event into a frustrating experience, reflecting a lack of trust from the school board. Students believe their voices and suggestions should be heard, and perhaps the rules should be reconsidered to create a more memorable and meaningful graduation experience. Trusting students and allowing them some freedom to celebrate their hard work would go a long way.