The Dreamer
Jacob was a student at Crown Point High School, located in Crown Point, Indiana. Ever since he could walk, he wanted to serve his country and become a sergeant. At 10, he knew he could go for his dream and follow in his dad’s footsteps, though no one took him seriously then.
The Dreamer
Boot Camp
Jacob was always careful not to mess anything up. He studied hard so that he could finish up high school before embarking on his dreams. Once he graduated, he applied to the Marines, doing boot camp so that he could go back to claim his diploma on graduation day.
Boot Camp
Proud Mama
His mother, Kathy, and his girlfriend, Shannon, were both beaming with pride when they saw him come up to his house. In fact, his mom almost cried when she saw him wearing his Marine Corps uniform. She always knew Jacob had what it took, and now he was soon to graduate!
Proud Mama
An Important Day
The three people made their way to the high school to attend the graduation ceremony. They were all so happy at what this young man achieved and all the work he put in. Things were finally going in his favor.
An Important Day
Happy Man
Jacob was just as pleased as his girlfriend and mom. He planned to beam with pride as he received his diploma in front of all his family and friends. This man had earned it because he worked so hard in school.
Happy Man
Excitement Everywhere
All of Jacob’s teachers and friends smiled at him when they saw him. They were genuinely happy to have him home. Some of the passersby gave him a salute. The air was full of excitement from everyone.
Excitement Everywhere
What He Wore
Though everyone was excited, surprise and shock at what Jacob wore to graduation made things feel a little off. For some reason, everything shifted in a new direction, puzzling Jacob, his mom, and his girlfriend.
What He Wore
The Principal
Chip Pettit was the principal of Crown Point High School. The crowd hushed as he walked to the stage and picked up his microphone. Looking down at his notes, he began his speech. What happened next might shock you!
The Principal
The List of Graduates
After his small speech, Pettit started calling the names of the graduates. This was done in alphabetical order, which was fully expected. However, soon everyone heard something that brought them shock and disdain.
The List Of Graduates
The Pause
Jacob and his small posse were anxiously awaiting the “S’s,” and when the principal reached it, the anticipation was killing them all. Kathy looked at her son and gave a small smile to reassure him that everything was fine.
The Pause
His Acceptance Speech
Preparing for such a big day, Jacob had an acceptance speech ready to go. He’d practiced until he had almost memorized the words. His name was the next one. He sprung up from his seat, but there was a pause.
His Acceptance Speech
Spitefulness
The principal locked eyes with Jacob and had a smirk on his face. Looking down at his list, he skipped Jacob’s name altogether, reading the next one. This was a true outrage because his name was skipped on purpose!
Spitefulness
Confusion Sets In
Jacob just couldn’t believe what happened. Was it just an oversight? Why did the principal do something that horrible? His name had to be there; was it a mix-up? He just didn’t understand what happened!
Confusion Sets In
Singled Out
Now, Jacob sat and hung his head. He thought about how he’d defied the principal, but he’d been completely professional about it. Surely, the principal didn’t want to humiliate him to get revenge!
Singled Out
Do What’s Right
Jacob felt that he had been perfectly reasonable and only stood up for what he believed was right. The principal didn’t see it that way, but why was his choice of clothing such a big deal? This wasn’t fair!
Do What’s Right
Full and True Blue
After he put his life on the line and served his country, he got treated this way? What infuriated his mom most was that she saw other students violating the dress code for graduation. Their names had been called. Why did Mr. Pettit have it out for her son?
Full And True Blue
Complete Outrage
Later, Kathy said in an interview that the entire thing was a disgrace. She pointed out that one student wore gym shoes and shorts, with another sporting a red turban to symbolize his views on religion.
Complete Outrage
What Did Jacob Wear?
Jacob showed up to the graduation ceremony in a full dress Marine Corps uniform. To be fair, there were no Crown Point School bylaws addressing whether or not U.S. military uniforms were allowed at graduation.
What Did Jacob Wear?
Higher Places
Everyone there that day was completely outraged and with a good reason. However, no one expected this marine’s story to go to such high places. It’s amazing what social media can do.
Higher Places
Completely Ridiculous
Leann Tustison was one of Jacob’s peers and claimed that the situation was completely ridiculous. “He’s in the military and putting his life out there for us. Therefore, it was unacceptable that he couldn’t walk across that stage.”
Completely Ridiculous
Solidarity
Tustison also claimed that the other students were outraged. Some of them wanted to protest and walk in solidarity along with Jacob. Even then, the backlash didn’t stop, and people wanted revenge for what the principal did.
Solidarity
Backlash
Christal Hernandez heard the story and took it to Facebook. She said that it amazed her that people tell you to be proud and celebrate your uniqueness throughout life. Then, at a memorable event, one administrator destroys all of your accomplishments.
Backlash
The Community’s Response
Mr. Pettit had to deal with all the backlash from the community. Many were outraged and voiced their concerns on social media and in the streets. However, the House Education Committee got wind of the situation, too.
The Community’s Response
Funds Pulled
One Facebook user wrote that they sent the principal a letter. Many people are now pulling their financial support from CPHS and the programs because of it. What did Mr. Pettit say? According to him, Jacob had already been warned of what might happen.
Funds Pulled
A Warning
Jacob had participated in the Crown Point High School graduation rehearsal earlier in the day. That’s when Mr. Pettit informed him that he couldn’t wear his Marine uniform during the ceremony.
A Warning
Nixed
To Jacob’s horror, the principal didn’t back down and was true to his word. Once he arrived in full uniform to the graduation ceremony, he had his name struck from the program. Does Mr. Pettit regret this decision because of the backlash?
Nixed
Defended His Position
Though Mr. Pettit received lots of online hate, he insists he enforced the school’s policy and stands by his decision. He said Jacob could have worn a military stole or cord to be recognized.
Defended His Position
Add Insult to Injury
Hobart High School, another school in Crown Point, had a similar situation. Ana Kritikos was a graduate in the Marine Corps and graduated early to enlist. However, she was allowed to wear the full military uniform during the ceremony.
Add Insult To Injury
Allowed Then Not Now
When Ana went to her graduation ceremony, she wanted to wear her military uniform and asked the high school administrators. In contrast to Jacob’s situation, she received everyone’s full support for the decision.
Allowed Then Not Now
It’s Okay
Ana said that the school administration was amazing, and it was okay with the Marines for her to wear her uniform at her graduation. Everyone discussed it and agreed. Why couldn’t Mr. Pettit do the same?
It’s Okay
Recognizing Your Military Graduates
Unlike Crown Point and the very unpopular principal, Peggy Buffington is the Superintendent of Hobart High School. She said her school goes out of its way to recognize its military graduates, as they should!
Recognizing Your Military Graduates
Proud Accomplishments
Peggy stated that they recognized Ana and her achievements in the Marines. At the time, she was a Private and a Military Occupation Specialist (1st Class). Everyone was extremely proud of her accomplishments.
Proud Accomplishments
Not Involved
One US Marine Corps spokesperson claims that the military doesn’t get involved with high school graduation dress codes. It doesn’t dictate what high schoolers can wear to graduate in. The decision is left up to the school’s leadership, but maybe not for long.
Not Involved
Challenge the Rules
Mike Aylesworth, a State Representative, was appalled when he saw that Jacob was barred from his own high school graduation. He also felt that the backlash the school received was just and added some of his own.
Challenge The Rules
Vietnam Vet Speaks Out
Aylesworth is a Vietnam-era veteran and claims that what happened was not appropriate. People are willing to be in harm’s way to save our country and should get to choose to wear their uniforms at graduation. His comment won a lot of support.
Vietnam Vet Speaks Out
The New Bill
The State Representative won approval to create a bill to mandate school districts to allow their students serving in the military already to wear dress uniforms if they want. He claims it’s a hodgepodge of regulations, and everything should be more consistent.
The New Bill
The Right Thing
Mike said that most school corporations do the right thing. They don’t need a law to provide guidance, but there are a few schools that do. Clearly, he was referring to Crown Point High and Mr. Pettit.
The Right Thing
Encourage Others
Aylesworth said that young people need to be encouraged to graduate and serve their country. When they put their lives on the line before the graduation ceremony, they should walk up on stage in their military uniforms and stand proud.
Encourage Others
Offering Support
Jacob’s father, Wheeler Stanley, didn’t want to comment about the school incident. However, he said he could support legislation that enforces uniform standards throughout the state to make it fair to everyone. What’s Jacob have to say about it all?
Offering Support
Moving Forward
Jacob said that he didn’t want any social media controversy to draw attention away from his class. With that, he didn’t wish to make other statements and wanted to put everything behind him. He wants a fresh start to his Marine Corps career.
Moving Forward