Court denies Grand Valley student’s request to prevent school district from barring sash depicting U.S., Mexico flags at graduation
Naomi Pena Villasano/Courtesy photo
A U.S. District Court judge on Friday denied a Grand Valley High School senior’s request of a temporary restraining order that would require the Garfield 16 school district to permit her to wear a graduation sash depicting the Mexican/U.S. flags.
According to a news release from Garfield 16 School District, Judge Nina Y. Wang ruled against Naomi Peña Villasano, who filed a lawsuit against the district earlier this week. Villasano was told by the district she could be barred from her graduation ceremony if she decided to wear the stole.
In a statement released Friday by Garfield 16, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Baugh said, “This is not an issue about a student’s ability to express her pride in her culture and heritage. She, and all her classmates, have an avenue for this expression by decorating their mortar boards on their graduation caps, including appropriate nationalistic endorsements.”
This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Glenwood Springs and Garfield County make the Post Independent’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.