Clayton high school principal denies student right to wear military uniform to graduation

Clayton High School principal stops graduating student from wearing Marine uniform at graduation. Principal Jerry Smith insisted Eric Hile follow school rules and not wear his uniform and that he conform to standard graduation attire. On top of that Mr. Hile just wanted to wear the uniform under his graduation gown.

What a sad day when a North Carolina school denies a student serving his country the honor of wearing his military uniform for graduation. His choice to join the Marines lets him wear the uniform, protect his country and provide the freedom to make choices but the school principle has chosen to deny the student the freedom to choose to wear his uniform!

This ranks right up there with the NC Legislature's refusal in the 2007 session to stop corporal punishment in North Carolina schools. NC sometimes look pretty bad in some regards compared to more progressive states.

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News and Observer
June 8, 2007
Marti Maguire, Staff Writer

Clayton Marine won't graduate in uniform

CLAYTON - A military mom is incensed that her Marine son won’t be able to wear his uniform when he graduates from Clayton High School tonight.

Pfc. Eric Hile, 17, graduated from the school in January, but returned from his training to walk across the stage and take his diploma.

He wanted to wear his dress blues under his gown, but Principal Jerry Smith insisted he follow school rules, which require that all graduating students wear khaki pants, a dark tie and a white shirt.

“We have a standard policy,” Smith said. “Everyone dresses the same for graduation.”

But Elizabeth Hile, Eric’s mother, said wearing his uniform is an important show of patriotism.

“I can understand that some kids want to wear shorts and a T-shirt. I get that,” Hile said. “But he is a United States Marine. It’s a show that he is so proud to be in the U.S. military.”

Elizabeth Hile, whose parents and husband served in various branches of the military, said her son would violate military rules against defiance if he were to wear the uniform.

So Eric will likely compromise. He’ll go to school in his uniform, but wear only the pants with a white shirt and a tie under his gown. Then, after he’s thrown his cap, he’ll change back.

Staff writer Marti Maguire can be reached at (919) 829-4930 or marti.maguire@newsobserver.com

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