High school graduate denied her diploma on stage by principal after dancing during ceremony

A high school graduate has spoken out after her principal 'stole' her special day away from her by not handing over her diploma.

Hafsah Abdur-Rahman graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls in Pennsylvania, the US, last year, however, when she got up on stage at her graduation ceremony to receive her diploma, it wan't given to her.

Prepare to feel nostalgic about your graduation day:

Footage from the event - which took place on June 9, 2023 - shows Hafsah making her way up on stage, joyfully walking and dancing across it, heading towards the principal to receive her diploma.

However, as she gets to her principal, they seemingly refuse to hand over the award.

But why?

The student said she was refused her diploma on stage because she danced her way over to the podium. (6abc Philadelphia)

Well, the principal had reportedly already warned students of the certain protocols they had to follow on the special occasion - namely that their families could not cheer or clap when they walked on stage.

Hafsah told 6abc Philadelphia: "I understood the rules because I was saying 'shh' in the video. Do not say nothing because I want my diploma."

According to Hafsah, the principal told her she could not receive her diploma because the crowd broke out into a chorus of cheers and laughter.

"If they thought that I shouldn't do 'The Griddy' [dance move] 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," she said.

"I feel like that's unfair."

The graduate called the situation 'unfair'. (6abc Philadelphia)

Recalling the fiasco, Hafsah added: "She [the principal] stole that moment from me. I will never get that again."

The student revealed she was 'so embarrassed' by the whole ordeal that she 'couldn't even enjoy the rest of the graduation'.

The School District of Philadelphia said in a statement: "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 claimed the principle 'stole' the moment from her. (6abc Philadelphia)

Hafsah later said the assistant superintendent of the school reached out to both herself and her mother apologizing for their less-than-fairytale graduation experience and to discuss the matter further.

However, the pair still believe there need to be changes to the school's system, with Hafsah's mother Jaszmine Reid saying: "It's 2023, a lot has happened. These girls went through Covid together. Our kids are not even living up to see high school."

She continued: "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."

UNILAD contacted the Philadelphia High School for Girls for further comment at the time the story was first reported.

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