Douglas County High School on Wednesday moved its upcoming graduation after teachers and union leaders raised concerns that holding the ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy could have prevented undocumented students and their families from attending the celebration.
The new venue for the May 22 commencement — Echo Park Stadium in Parker — “allows us to ensure all who wish to attend can do so and celebrate with our Huskies,” Douglas County High School Principal Tony Kappas wrote in an email to teachers, students and families.
The school’s graduation is on the same date, but the time has been changed to 3 p.m.
Educators had raised concerns that restrictions to enter the Air Force Academy — including requiring adults to present valid forms of photo identification — could have some students and families out.
“We worked closely with our students and families, as well as representatives from the Air Force Academy, to ensure our community understood the security requirements at the Academy and that everyone who wished to attend the commencement ceremony would be able to do so,” Kappas wrote in the email. “Unfortunately, there has been increased scrutiny by some in our community, as well as members of the media, regarding the location of our graduation ceremony.”
To enter the Air Force Academy grounds in El Paso County, adults 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.
But 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, in an interview before the school moved the ceremony. “Should this be required to access a public high school graduation? Most would say ‘no.’ ”
Leach said he heard from students and teachers who worried the requirements to enter the academy would restrict access for undocumented students and their families, 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?’ ”
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 approached 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 Air Force Academy 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.”
Kappas, the school’s principal, wrote in his email that this is everyone’s favorite time of year to celebrate accomplishments and that the venue change will ensure everyone who wants to can attend.
“To the Class of 2024, do not let this take away from your big day!” Kappas wrote. “Change is part of life and you are resilient. This will be an incredible day where we celebrate you and all of your hard work. You will always be a Huskie!”
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