In the last 50 years one graduation tradition sticks out more than the rest, the turning of the tassel. At some point in the ceremony, the student is asked to move their tassel to the opposite side in order to signify that they have now graduated. 

The class of 2020 was devastated when they found out that they wouldn’t cross the stage. All they had was a video with their pictures on them that was posted on YouTube. The important question is if the class of 2020 really graduated? 

On Tuesday, October 22, the SUSD school board met and finally decided on the class of 2020’s status. Many students that finished their senior year in good standing last year thought that they would be considered graduates. The students completed all of their credits, but still have not hear word on if they are considered graduates. 

At the Board meeting on Tuesday, Board members decided that because the class of 2020 didn’t walk the stage, weren’t handed their diploma, and they never did the turning of the tassel from right to left that they cannot be considered graduates of Stockton School District. 

Many believed that the moving of the tassel was a ceremonial procedure only, but a further look into California Education code has proven that if a tassel is not worn on the right at the beginning of the ceremony and moved to the left there is no actual graduating occurring. California Education Code 77357.99 clearly states: “Students in California are considered graduates once the tassel is moved from non-graduate side (right) to graduate side (left).” 

Chavez counselor Ms. Bowen had this to say, “It is a simple ceremony, but a very important one. Many students are unaware that without the ceremony they are simply considered a non-Graduate or a super senior.”