CCHS graduation dress code, policy biased says guests

A high school graduation is often recognized as a time of celebration with family, friends, and supporters for a person who has completed the 13 year journey. But in Charles City, parents and friends of some graduates saw the seemingly joyous event soured thanks to a dress code policy.

At least a couple of people expressed displeasure over the policy during the May 24 commencement ceremonies at Charles City High school. In an email sent to the Chronicle, one parent explained the scene she observed.

“Parents, grandparents, and loved ones were being turned away from the door due to their attire,” said Christine Adkins. “Let me just say the attire that these loved ones had on were black jeans, nice shirt, and nice dress shoes; nothing with holes and disrespectful.”

Adkins’ letter challenged the integrity of the dress code, questioning its existence and sudden enforcement. It continued by saying some guests were admitted inside the gymnasium for the event with attire she deemed in violation of the implemented rule.

“These parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles all deserve to see their loved ones graduate,” she also said in the letter.

“Shame on you Charles City High School,” she concluded in the letter, saying she saw many people crying due to entry being denied.

A parent of a recent graduate spoke out about the ordeal she experienced.

“We got there and was going through the line,” said Brenda Adkins in a phone interview. “While I made it through the line, my husband was stopped for wearing his jeans.”

At first Brenda Adkins didn’t want to challenge it, but she felt the services of one volunteer who conducted inspections of attire seemed inappropriate.

“I was treated very rudely,” she continued, pointing specifically to actions conducted by the volunteer. “I believe there was discrimination on who got into the ceremony.”

The parent continued speaking, pointing out frustrations and concern when she saw others wearing what she deemed a violation of the dress code.

“The more people I saw in the gymnasium wearing similar attire my husband was wearing, the more upset I got,” she said.

“It wasn’t until [Superintendent] Dr. Crawley and [school board member] Preston Adkins took a look at my husband after I asked them if his attire was appropriate. They both said it was.”

“Those people have no idea the financial situation of this county or the people,” Brenda Adkins continued, emphasizing the inability to go out and purchase new clothes. “I don’t mean any harm, but we’re talking about people’s finances.”

Allegations did not stop there, as Brenda Adkins’ daughter was upset by the actions of the volunteer and school administration.

“Shame on you Mrs. Crutchfield for the way my husband and daughter were treated on her special night,” said the irate parent.

Crutchfield said the dress code policy existed before her arrival in 2011.

“It was here for at least a couple years prior to my arrival,” said the principal. “Nothing has changed other than reviewing it and checking for spelling errors.”

Crutchfield said school staff and volunteers were tasked with enforcing the policy. Staff didn’t witness a lot of questionable clothing, according to reports the principal received.

“The only thing I heard was that a staff member was asked about somebody going into the graduation with inappropriate attire,” continued Crutchfield. “That staff member checked after a parent had questioned it and found that nobody had violated it.”

Christine Adkins said she had attended the last four graduation ceremonies and had never been stopped at the door. Crutchfield, however, said memos and brochures were sent out the first week of May and given to every student in the school.

“We’ve been meeting with the senior class all year long and told them our expectations and expressed guidelines for graduation,” she concluded.

Brochures and tickets list attire requirements. “No jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, beachwear, cutoffs or casual or inappropriate attire for anyone,” is listed on the brochure, along with a checklist of appropriate attire for guests, including “shoes, shirt/slacks, and tie” for male guests, while female guests should wear “shoes, dress, and blouse/skirt.”

Other etiquette listed on brochures and tickets include disallowing balloons, streamers, noisemakers, and horns. Still, Brenda Adkins hopes a similar situation will not happen in an upcoming graduation.

“Maybe next year things will be different for the graduating class and no other child or parent will have to go through what my daughter and husband had to,” she continued. “I think Mrs. Crutchfield and the volunteer owe me and my family an apology.

“My child worked her butt off to get to this point and I think it’s a shame it was ruined,” she concluded.