Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell issued the following statement today regarding the wearing of stoles and cords at graduation ceremonies:
“Over the last two weeks, there has been significant discussion in our schools and communities surrounding the wearing of stoles and cords by members of the Class of 2025 at this year’s graduation ceremonies. I have reserved comment while discussing this issue with members of our team and with parents and other family members of graduates.
What is clear to me at this point is that our administrative regulation regarding this matter is unintentionally vague and that over the course of the last several years, our implementation of that regulation has been inconsistent. As the leader of this school district, I will own that and work to rectify it. Our graduation ceremonies should be places where students can be celebrated for the breadth of their accomplishments.
It is in that spirit that I have met with our high school principals and directed them to allow students to wear stoles and cords that have been provided to them by AACPS high schools at this year’s ceremonies. Additionally, students will be able to wear honor society stoles or cords as well as state championship medals, whether they were earned in athletic or academic competitions.
We will put together a group this summer to begin revising the administrative regulation with the goal of developing a clear, easy-to-understand and prudent protocol that puts the focus on student achievement and allows for the recognition of those achievements.”