Teachers and union leaders have raised concerns that Douglas County High School’s decision to hold its upcoming graduation ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy creates hurdles that could prevent undocumented students and their families from attending the celebration.
To enter the Air Force Academy in El Paso County for the school’s May 22 graduation, adult attendees must present a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license or state identification card. Nobody under 18 is required to show ID unless they’re driving onto the base, Air Force officials say.
People who aren’t U.S. citizens, but hold foreign passports, must present those passports ahead of time and go through a background clearance that could take up to 72 hours. Drivers might be asked to show their proof of insurance and vehicle registration and all cars are subject to search.
“Should this be required to access an Air Force Academy? Most would say ‘yes,’ ” said Matt Leach, a Douglas County High School science teacher. “Should this be required to access a public high school graduation? Most would say ‘no.’ ”
Leach said he’s heard from students and teachers who worry the requirements to enter the academy restrict access for undocumented students and their family members, as well as students’ families visiting from other countries or otherwise marginalized people like those who may have a criminal history and fear exclusion from a background check.
“It has caused so much strife and worry with a bunch of the students in our school,” Leach said. “As we’re approaching graduation, this is a time to be excited, uplifted and celebrate the accomplishments of our students — not worrying, ‘Will my uncle be able to be there for my graduation?’ ”
Douglas County High School Principal Anthony Kappas said in a statement that after several years of inclement weather negatively impacting graduation, the school decided to move the ceremony to an indoor location at the Air Force Academy this year.
“We have worked closely with our students and families to ensure they understand the security requirements at the Academy and that everyone who wishes to attend can do so,” Kappas said. “The Academy has been the host site for numerous high school graduation ceremonies over the years, as well as sporting events and other activities, to include the Colorado High School State Band competition. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with all of our Huskies, alongside their families and friends.”
When asked whether the Air Force Academy’s requirements would prevent undocumented students or family members from attending the graduation, Douglas County School District spokesperson Paula Hans said state law allows undocumented people to obtain Colorado ID cards.
On Friday, Hans said the school had not heard any issues from families about being unable to attend due to the requirements. Hans did not immediately respond when asked if that had changed Wednesday.
Leach said multiple students were approaching their teachers worried about having to miss the ceremony.
“It’s causing such an equity concern,” he said.
When teachers first learned about the restrictions to enter the graduation site, Leach said they approached the administration with concerns that “fell on deaf ears.”
Lucy Squire, president of the Douglas County Federation of Teachers, said selecting the Air Force Academy for the graduation venue created “many, unnecessary issues regarding accessibility.”
“While not involved in the planning, we are now actively working with the district to ensure that families and friends of all graduates have safe access to the event. We are hopeful that this venue will not be used in the future.”
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