D. Graduation Cap and Gown Requirement:
1. The graduation gown identified for the graduation ceremony must be worn as intended at the graduation ceremony and for the entire ceremony, and the gown’s appearance may not be altered prior to or at the ceremony;
2. Nothing can be attached to the gown and no accessories can be used on the graduation gown;
3. Students are allowed to wear medals and cords awarded by the School District for academic and athletic achievements, and stoles awarded by FMS Native American Programs honoring language and civic accomplishments;
4. Students are allowed to decorate their graduation caps, but there are specific guidelines for doing so.
E. Cap Decoration Guidelines:
1. All decoration applied to the top of the graduation cap must be respectful and appropriate, without offensive content or sexual content;
2. Any decoration applied shall not contain or display commercial advertisements or demonstrate association with a commercial entity such as, for example, sports teams or musical artists;
3. Any decoration applied shall not contain Gang affiliations, violent imagery, or content that will cause a disturbance or distract from the graduation ceremony;
4. Any decoration applied shall not contain language or images that are obscene, vulgar, lewd, or inappropriate;
a. E.g., pornographic, contain threats, or promote illegal or violent conduct such as weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vape pens, or drug paraphernalia.
5. Any decoration applied shall not contain or display language or imagery related to any messages from any hate group or indicate association/affiliation with or support of any hate group;
6. Any decoration applied shall not contain and/or use any form of hate speech targeting groups or individuals based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, political affiliation, or other protected groups;
7. Any decoration applied shall not contain or display any solicitations for money or work;
8. Students may decorate caps with the name or logo of any college, university or vocational institution in which the student will be continuing their post-secondary education;
9. Any decorations of classic Americana or reflecting future association with military or civic service is permissible;
10. All decorations must stay within the top surface of the cap and not hang over the edges or rise above the top surface more than one (1) inch, or otherwise block the view of those sitting nearby;
11. Cultural expression in the cap decoration must be culturally relevant to the student; and
12.Religious expression must be such that it does not advocate that others change their individual religious beliefs or observances;
It is encouraged that students consider expressions of gratitude or celebrate future plans. Common themes include thanking family or teachers, highlighting college choices, military service, graduation year, or representing your heritage. Failure to follow these regulations regarding cap decorations will result in the REMOVAL of the cap and, if available replacing it with a standard graduation cap at the graduation. If no replacement cap is available, the student will not be able to participate in the ceremony without a cap and gown.
F. Failure to follow these regulations will result in the student not being able to participate in the ceremony.
G. The High School Principal and designees will make all determinations of compliance with these regulations at the graduation ceremony and his or her decisions shall be final.
H. Each school principal and administrators conducting the graduation ceremony shall be trained on these regulations prior to the graduation ceremony.