Diploma denial angers GHS graduates
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GALESBURG, Illinois - For Galesburg High School honor student Caisha Gayles, graduation is a triumph over obstacles. It represents completing accomplishments and reaching dreams.
"It was very important," she said. "I felt I worked hard all those years just for that moment."
But for Caisha and four other graduates, that dream became a nightmare.
"When I was walking across the stage, I had a big smile on my face," said Nadia Trent. "Then I heard the cheers and my smile just left. I already knew what was going to happen."
Galesburg High denied their diplomas after Sunday's ceremony. It's part of a get-tough policy to crack down on commencement disruptions.
"Everything was positive," said Tom Chiles, Galesburg High principal. "No obscenities, mostly cheering, but it was inappropriate for the type of behavior a commencement should have."
Students and parents knew the rules well in advance. They even signed a contract outlining graduation guidelines in order to participate. But these students feel unfairly punished for audience reactions.
"I told everybody," Gayles said. "But that doesn't mean they're going to listen. I'm a kid. They're grown people. I can't control them."
School administrators say they're torn up over the decision.
But they are offering each student a chance to work a day of community service at the school in exchange for their diploma.
"It's a mystery to me why a family wouldn't want to support their child with honor, respect, dignity," said Dr. Gene Denisar, Galesburg superintendent.
That's not enough for these students. They're turning down the proposal to work off the punishment and are asking for an apology to go along with their diplomas.
"I don't feel that's right because we did not do anything wrong to get community service," said Amanda Kelley. "That's for people that actually did something wrong."
And the students blame racial discrimination for playing a role in the decision.
"It doesn't matter how hard you work," Gayles said. "You still get discriminated against."
"Everybody went in with their eyes wide open about what the expectations were," Dr. Denisar said. "It's certainly not a race issue with me."
But the nightmare continues for these young women. Graduation dreams that are turning to bitter disappointments.
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