Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Graduation Regalia topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public urges board to allow military enlistment cords at graduation; board refers policy to committee
Summary
Multiple public speakers asked the Pickerington board to amend policy 5460.04 after graduates were denied permission to wear military enlistment cords at the May 23 ceremony; the board said the policy will be reviewed by the policy committee and any change would require two readings and public notice.
Three community members and a veteran teacher told the Pickerington Local School District board on May 26 that graduates who enlist should be allowed to wear military enlistment cords at commencement and asked the board to amend board policy 5460.04.
Deborah L. Dowerty told the board the decision to prohibit military cords at the May 23 graduation was "unpatriotic and wrong," called the denial "disrespectable" and urged the board to "rectify this grievous error expeditiously." Tom Barton, a Marine officer, said the district should "include, not exclude" graduates who choose military service. Britney Styles, a 20‑plus‑year district teacher and officer of the American Legion Post 283 Women's Auxiliary, asked the board to add "military enlistment cords of distinction" to the approved commencement regalia list, saying enlistment represents discipline, sacrifice and an academic commitment (ASVAB results) that merits recognition alongside academic and extracurricular cords.
Board response and next steps: Board members acknowledged the strong feelings in the room, said the issue has a history and told speakers the policy will be placed on the policy committee agenda. The board explained that any policy change requires two readings with public notice and that a final policy decision rests with the full board. President Kathy Schevsky and Superintendent Dr. Smileik repeatedly assured speakers that the administration and board hear the concerns and will consider recommendations to the policy committee.
What the board did not do: No immediate policy change or vote occurred at the May 26 meeting. Board members encouraged speakers to attend the policy meeting and future board readings and to use the posted agenda materials for documentation.
