Lieutenant Governor sends strong message to Missouri schools

Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson has condemned Liberty High School in Brentwood, CA. for their administration’s refusal to allow a graduating senior to wear his United States Army uniform during the commencement ceremony. Citing a “graduation uniform” policy, the student was told he could not participate in the ceremony unless he wore the traditional cap and gown. After trying to explain he could not wear anything over his uniform per Army Regulations, risking a court martial, the school administrators still refused and the student was barred from participating.

“This is a disgraceful act, and an insult to all men and women who wear the uniform of the United States,” said Lieutenant Governor Parson. “This young man is honored to wear the uniform and defend his country and to have administrators bar him from his own graduation ceremony for which he worked very hard to achieve, is unforgivable,” Parson said.

“As a veteran of the U.S. Army and an advocate for the 480,000 veterans living in Missouri, it is my duty to uphold the honor and integrity of those who serve our country both at home and around the world. What kind of message does this despicable act send to the next generation of Americans when soldiers are no longer able to show their pride in wearing the uniform of the United States? I strongly urge school administrators in Missouri to think very hard when educating young Americans on the importance of our service members, and not attempt to enact such a disgraceful policy in our local school districts,” said Lieutenant Governor Parson.

“Nothing is Politically Right Which is Morally Wrong.”

Contact Information: State Capitol Building, Room 224. Phone: 573-751-4727. Email: Mike.Parson@ltgov.mo.gov.