If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s when schools overlook a student’s basic — even constitutional — rights with the excuse that their school rules dictate otherwise.

The latest school to do so is John Liechty Middle School, located in Los Angeles, California. After the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board decided to go forth with teacher layoffs and other cutbacks, a group of Liechty students engaged in a silent protest, turning their backs on Monica Garcia, president of the LAUSD, while she was speaking at their graduation.

But rather than commend or support these young students, the principal of Leighty Middle School, Jeanette Stevens, has decided to withhold their diplomas. Considering that the students have completed all of their graduation requirements, there’s no reason to deny them what they’ve worked so hard to achieve — especially for exercising their right to protest.

While a school will argue that this kind of protest is disruptive and goes against their school’s code of conduct — arguments I’ve often heard during my student years — this is a clear case of bullying if I’ve ever seen one. To hold a student’s diploma because they don’t agree with a school board policy, and choose to make it known at a public venue through civil disobedience, is not only disheartening, it goes against what students are supposed to learn at school: how to be respectful, intelligent members of society who stand up for what they believe in.

Do you agree with the principal’s decision to withhold these students’ diplomas? Chime in below.

– Genevieve M. Blaber