Liberty Union High School District Superintendent Eric Volta issued a statement Saturday evening apologizing to the Harland Fletcher and his family after he was not allowed to wear his Military Uniform during graduation.

The incident occurred on Friday where Fletcher was told he could not walk during graduation in his military uniform and was told he could pick up his diploma on Monday. Harland’s dad took to social media on Saturday alerting the community to what occurred (see below)

Here is the letter issued by Superintendent Volta:

Dear Liberty Community,

After reading AB 1463; 2009 STAT. Chapter 296 It has become clear that Harland Fletcher may have the right to wear his US Army Dress Uniform at his graduation and on behalf of the Liberty Union High School District I publically apologize to him and his family for this Incident.

No slight was meant to Harland nor to the US Army. In fact with a little prior notification, I’m sure that Principal Walsh and the site administration would have come to this conclusion before the ceremony. Principal Walsh and the District do support the armed forces as exemplified by his recognition of graduating seniors that have chosen the military for their post-graduate plans during the graduation ceremony.

Again I apologize to Harland for this unfortunate incident, and thank him for his service to our country.​

Sincerely,

Eric Volta​

The letter can be found on the Liberty Union High School District website.

Below is the social media post from Bill Fletcher:

I have never asked for any friends to share or pass along a post, until today- My Son, PFC Harland J Fletcher, a US Army Reserve Medic here in our homestate of CA, went to BCT over the summer between his Jr and SR year in High School, commonly referred to as “Split Option”. He enlisted on his 17th Birthday, the earliest possible day.

He wanted to wear his Army Service Uniform (Blues as many of us knew them) and inquired of many administrators, and was advised it was acceptable, per his counselor.

On the date of the graduation commencement (yesterday, June 9, 2017) he was advised by several vice principals and the principal, that he could not participate unless he put a robe over the uniform. As we all know, this is prohibited by AR 670-1.

He declined the robe offer and advised them of CA Education code # 35183.3, which state with incredible clarity

“The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 35183.3 is added to the Education Code, to read:

35183.3. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person shall have the right to wear a dress uniform issued to him or her by a branch of the United States Armed Forces while participating in the graduation ceremony for his or her high school if that person meets both of the following requirements:

(a) He or she has fulfilled all of the requirements of this code for receiving a diploma of graduation from high school, and is otherwise eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony.

(b) He or she has completed basic training for, and is an active member of, a branch of the United States Armed Forces.”

We were devastated that our son was not allowed to exercise his legal right. The school, Liberty Union High School, in Brentwood CA, advised him he “can pick up the diploma in the office on Monday”.

I understand the disdain those of us in uniform have received from many educators- they just don’t care to support military service- yes, they understand they can’t bash it like they did in the late 60’s, insulting servicemembers, but they get sucker punches in, like this.

Harley is shown here at our home, after being refused his right to participate by his school. We feel that his uniform was more than acceptable to participate in the event.

If you would help me spread this, I would appreciate it.

I am tired of service members and vets being quietly and systematically denied rights by establishments that should know, respect and abide by the laws enacted on all of our behalfs.

Thank you-

Bill Fletcher