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Lincoln Northwest students urge board to allow decorated graduation caps
Summary
Three Lincoln Northwest High School seniors asked the Lincoln Board of Education to change the district policy that prohibits decorating graduation caps, arguing it limits student expression and cultural representation; students asked for a modest dress-code to bar hate speech or vulgarity.
Three seniors from Lincoln Northwest High School told the Lincoln Board of Education on Feb. 25 that district rules barring decorated graduation caps are outdated and should be revised to allow personalization at commencement.
"My name is Madison Lemons and I'm here with my peers, Andy Hansen and Lily Crandell Peterson," said Madison Lemons, speaking during public comment and identifying herself as enrolled in AP Government and Politics. The students told the board that their AP class community-service project led them to this request. They argued the policy reduces students’ motivation to attend graduation, limits creative expression and lowers opportunities to represent diverse cultures.
The students proposed a dress-code exception that would permit cap decorations while prohibiting images or words promoting violence, drugs, alcohol, hate speech or vulgar language. They framed their request against the district’s mission and purpose statements, which emphasize preparing students for community life and encouraging exposure to the arts and humanities.
Board members asked the students to provide copies of their remarks for the record; the students agreed and handed a copy to the clerk. The board did not take immediate action on the request during the meeting. No motion or vote to change policy was recorded in the Feb. 25 minutes.
Why it matters: Graduation ceremonies are high-visibility events for students and families. The students asked the board to balance free expression, cultural recognition and decorum by permitting cap personalization under a clear dress-code that excludes inappropriate content.
What’s next: The students urged the board to consider policy change; board members requested the written comment for their record. The transcript does not record any formal referral or staff assignment to review the policy during the Feb. 25 meeting.
