Graduates Can’t Wear Some Stoles, Petition Pushes Back

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — A petition is trying to expand which honorary stoles that Anne Arundel County graduates can wear. Current regulations only allow stoles, pins and cords from the state, county or military.

"This is a change in past practice from just last year. And it also follows the elimination of class rank and the selection of a valedictorian based on academic achievement," petition organizer Syndy Kucner wrote. "It is another way to diminish the recognition of our students' success."

Anne Arundel County Public Schools, however, said the rules for regalia have been set for years and didn't change this year.

Regulations say, "Stoles, honor cords, and medals bestowed by AACPS or the State of Maryland in affiliation with an approved AACPS academic course, or a branch of the United States Armed Forces may be worn during graduation ceremonies. However, stoles, honor cords, and medals bestowed by outside organizations may be worn at senior and athletic awards ceremonies, but not at graduation ceremonies."

"This is not a new policy," AACPS spokesperson Bob Mosier told Patch in a Wednesday email.

Mosier pointed to Board Policy IID, Graduation Activities and Administrative Regulation IID-RA, Graduation Activities.

"Policy IID was adopted by the Board in 2016," Mosier said. "Administrative Regulation IID-RA was developed in 2016 and last revised in 2023."

A total of 1,170 people had signed the petition by Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. It is still accepting signatures at change.org.

"Why are they being punished because others don't have the same goals. Give these young people something to be proud of," wrote an Edgewater petition signer identified only as Cissy.

The petition focuses on National Honor Society stoles and pins, but it said cords are also prohibited for other clubs.

"Allowing students to wear NHS stoles and pins and club cords at graduation would not only enhance their sense of achievement but also inspire underclassmen to strive for similar recognition," Kucner wrote. "Join us in urging the Anne Arundel County Public Schools and Board of Education to recognize and honor the achievements of our students by allowing them to wear their NHS stoles/pins and club cords at graduation ceremonies."

Commencement ceremonies start Tuesday and run through June 6. The schedule is posted here.

"Those accolades should inspire and motivate others," said a petition signer only identified as Jim. "Those who earned it worked hard so allow them to display their accomplishments. Stop protecting the feelings of the lazy and unmotivated."