Bill Would Let Military Uniforms Be Worn at Graduation

is spearheading legislation that would allow military recruits to wear their dress uniforms at high school graduation ceremonies.

Smith added the amendment to a House bill in order to give recruits a chance to don their uniforms as long as they’ve fulfilled graduation requirements and completed basic training.

The Mt. Lebanon Democrat, who also represents parts of Scott and Bethel Park, said the legislation was inspired by the recent story of a Marine recruit who wanted to wear her dress blues at North Allegheny’s commencement earlier this month.

Lindsay Starr graduated early and went to boot camp, but the school district initially refused to allow her to wear the uniform. The school ultimately relented, but Starr decided to wear the traditional cap and gown after meeting with her Marine recruiter.

Smith said the decision should be taken out of the school districts’ hands and left up to the students. He is unaware of any other situations in Pennsylvania, but said California recently passed similar legislation last year.

“This shouldn’t be something where (students) have to put themselves out on a limb for. It should be allowed for any graduating senior,” Smith said. “I think for a young adult to make that decision to sacrifice, this is the least we can offer them.”

The amendment is attached to a school bill that would provide some assistance to school districts in distress and also expand financial reports for superintendents’ salaries. The bill passed the state House last Friday and awaits debate in the Senate. Smith said if it fails there, he also wrote a stand-alone military uniform bill that has broad bipartisan support.

“I think that if you provide this option, it alleviates a lot of the consternation that occurred in the North Allegheny situation,” he said. “This should be something that across Pennsylvania everyone is entitled to.”