Cousins! A Philadelphia high school for girls has received major backlash this week after denying a student their diploma on stage in front of her peers and family members for simply dancing during their graduation ceremony!
Hafsah Abdur-Rahman of Philadelphia’s Olney school says she felt deeply embarrassed following the June 9th ceremony as she explains that she understood the rules set before them. “She (the principal) stole that moment from me,” said Hafsah. “I will never get that again.”
According to 6ABC news, Principal Lisa Mesi had previously warned students that their families were prohibited from cheering or clapping as they walked on stage. “I understood the rules because I was saying ‘shh’ in the video. Do not say nothing because I want my diploma,” explained Hafsah. “I knew and understood what we were supposed to do.”
Within a now circulated video clip, Hafsah can be seen dancing across the stage along with a hand gesture as she made her way to receive her diploma. The crowd can be heard laughing in the background as she continued to walk. The 17-year-old says because they laughed, Principle Mesi informed her she could not receive her diploma.
“If they thought that I shouldn’t do ‘The Griddy’ across the stage and do the Girls’ High traditions, nobody should have been able to wave or blow kisses or do period signs because I feel like that’s the same thing. I feel like that’s unfair,” she explained.
Hafsah tells the outlet that the ceremony was a celebration not only for herself but to also honor her sister who was killed at the young age of 14 years old.
“I was so embarrassed. I couldn’t even enjoy the rest of the graduation,” said Hafsah
Hafsah says that she and three other girls didn’t receive their diplomas on stage and that all of them received it after the ceremony.
6ABC news reports, The School District of Philadelphia has issued a statement following the ceremony.”The District does not condone the withholding of earned diplomas based on family members cheering for their graduates. We apologize to all the families and graduates who were impacted and are further looking into this matter to avoid it happening in the future.”
Hafsah revealed that the school’s assistant superintendent reached out to her and her mother to apologize for tragic incident.
Though the circumstances were unfortunate, the teen alongside her mother state’s that they’ve learned a valuable lesson.
“It’s 2023, a lot has happened,” said Hafsah mother, Jaszmine Reid. “These girls went through COVID together. Our kids are not even living up to see high school. I understand traditions and rules are set in place for a reason, and we’re not saying they should be broken, but it might need to be revised also.”
According to the outlet Principal Mesi hasn’t released a statement following the incident.
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