Asheboro High School student, Ever Lopez, was denied his diploma by his principal, Penny Crooks, for having a Mexican flag on his back while walking across the stage.
Principal Penny Crooks wants Lopez to apologize for causing a “disruption” during the graduation ceremony, according to the Family.
Many are accusing the school district and Asheboro High School principal of racism after watching the videos of the graduation ceremony resurface on social media.
In a statement, Asheboro City Schools called those accusations “disheartening” and said it supports students expressing their heritage “in the appropriate time and place.”
The district also said the graduation dress code is clearly shared with students ahead of time, and that wearing a flag of any kind is a violation of the dress code.
The school is now reevaluating that decision for future graduates. It is also working to resolve the issue with the student and his family so he can receive his diploma.
