Mesa High student challenges rule barring military stoles at graduation

MESA, Ariz. — Graduation ceremonies are steeped in tradition. However, a longstanding tradition in Mesa is preventing students from displaying their military service stoles at graduation.

Daniela Rascon-Rivas is set to graduate from Mesa High on Thursday will go straight to serving in the Arizona National Guard. Last week, a school official told her that she cannot wear her stole that she worked so hard to get.

“I have given my life for this country to serve them, and I can’t even wear a simple piece of fabric,” Rascon-Rivas said. “It’s disheartening.”

That’s not the only accolades the soon-to-be graduate cannot wear. All her cords earned at East Valley Institute of Technology are also not allowed at graduation.

“All these achievements I worked very hard for and I can’t even wear it on my big night,” Rascon-Rivas said. “I honestly feel disrespected,” 

Rascon-Rivas earned special cords for completing her Criminal Justice program and being part of Student Council. Her military stole was also accomplished through hard work and dedication. From rappelling down cliffs at Papago Park, disassembling and reassembling firearms, to knowing how to use a gas mask properly. 

“It’s been very difficult, going through mental health issues and just struggling, but I overcame it,” she said.

Still, not being able to proudly display her accomplishments to her family and classmates is weighing heavy on the high school senior. She was told that it’s because of a long standing tradition at Mesa High. 12News received the following statement from Mesa Public Schools about the situation.

Mesa Public Schools deeply values and honors the service of our military members and enlisted students. Mesa High upholds a longstanding tradition of unity at graduation, in alignment with district policy 5-217.D and state law ARS 15-348, that promotes uniformity during the ceremony by limiting adornments on graduation attire. While stoles, including military, are not worn during the formal ceremony, Mesa High absolutely encourages families to bring their student’s stoles for photos and celebrations after the event.

“I understand that it is a long standing tradition, but there are students who have worked very hard for their achievements in accolades, and they want to show it off, not only to their families, but to their classmates, what they have achieved throughout these four years in high school,” Rascon-Rivas said.

In response to the policy, she started an online petition to change it so that everyone can display their accomplishments at graduation. While Rascon-Rivas doesn’t know if it will change for her graduation, she hopes it will for future students.

“I’m still going to pursue this after I graduate, so that the future jackrabbits can show their accolades and their achievements as well,” she said.