By Rowann Yaeger

Graduation cords have traditionally been a meaningful part of commencement ceremonies, symbolizing students’ academic achievements, leadership roles, and involvement in school organizations. However, recent policy changes at Granada Hills Charter (GHC) have reshaped how these honors are recognized during graduation. The new guidelines aim to standardize which cords are permitted, but they have also sparked discussion among students and staff. 

Under the updated rules, the school will now only honor cords that are issued directly through GHC officials or through officially approved campus clubs. Students are no longer allowed to wear cords they purchased or received independently from outside programs or organizations. Additionally, in order for a club to qualify to distribute graduation cords, it must have been established on campus for at least three years. This requirement is intended to ensure that cords represent long-standing and recognized contributions to the school community. Administrators have also stated that any cords not approved by the school may be removed during the commencement ceremony, reinforcing how strictly the policy will be enforced. 

While administrators argue the policy preserves the integrity and consistency of graduation honors, many students see it differently. 

“I believe everyone should be in the spotlight but I can understand why some people can’t,” senior Jayden Mendoza said. 

His statement reflects the tension surrounding the new rules. On one hand, the school wants to create fairness and prevent the ceremony from becoming overwhelming or unregulated. On the other hand, students who have worked hard in newer clubs or outside programs may feel their achievements are being overlooked. 

But the conversation about graduation at GHC goes beyond cords. Many seniors feel that graduation as a whole has become increasingly restrictive. For example, students are not allowed to bring their phones during the ceremony. While administrators say this helps maintain focus and respect for the event, seniors argue that graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime moment they should be able to capture themselves. Relying only on professional photos or distant family members can make students feel like they have less control over preserving their own memories. 

Another major concern is the ticket limit. Families are currently limited to only four tickets per graduate. For some students, this creates difficult choices about which family members get to attend. In larger families especially, four tickets may not even cover immediate relatives. Graduation is meant to celebrate not just only the student, but the support system that helped them reach this milestone. Limiting attendance feels a little unfair to families who have supported their seniors every step of the way.

These policies are in place due to concerns regarding space, safety, and organization, graduation must run smoothly, and administrators are responsible for ensuring that happens. However, when combined with the strict cord rules, phone restrictions, and ticket limits, many seniors feel that their big day is being controlled more than celebrated.

Graduation should be a moment of pride, recognition, and joy for the entire GHC community. While structure and fairness matter, so does allowing students to fully experience and share one of the most important milestones of their high school career. As graduation approaches, a larger question still remains: how can GHC balance order and fairness while still making seniors feel truly honored on their one and only special day?