Graduation, celebration of unity
Collegian Opinion

    South Campus Latino Student Union members recently petitioned to be allowed to wear a special stole that reflects their Hispanic heritage at graduation ceremonies later this month.

   The special stole features multi-colored bands and symbols on a royal blue background.

   We can appreciate pride in one’s heritage, but what does that have to do with college graduation?

   A college graduation ceremony is a time for students to come together as a class and celebrate their achievements.

   Graduation is not intended to be an opportunity to divide the student body into racial sub-groups, debating among themselves which group has the coolest stole.

   Traditionally, unique stoles, cords and other graduation regalia have been reserved for those who have achieved or contributed more than what is expected of the average student.

   Therefore, a special stole should not be given to someone just because they were born to at least one Hispanic parent.

   If everyone were wearing a special stole, it would diminish the meaning of wearing such an honor for those who actually had to work to earn them.

   Besides, is the goal of the Latino Student Union and other Hispanic groups to promote the cause of Latin Americans?

   Special treatments like these seem more apt to set Hispanics back two steps.

   While Hispanics complain about discrimination and unequal opportunity, they seem all too willing to help pigeonhole themselves.

   If the Latino Student Union truly wants to promote equal opportunities for Hispanics, they would be better off not separating themselves from their fellow students.

   TCC has approximately 50 ethnic groups represented among its student body.

   If every ethnic background were assigned a special stole, it would destroy the unity of the graduation ceremony because few students would be dressed alike.

   And what about students of mixed ethnicity? Would they be allowed to wear two special stoles?

   Carlos Escorcia, president of the South Campus Latino Student Union, was quoted in a recent Star-Telegram article.

   “It’s incredible, the dropout rate of high school students.

   “I plan with this stole to advocate for the Latino Community. I want people who actually do graduate to be noticed and recognized,” he said.

   Escorcia is graduating with an associate degree in arts, and he will indeed be recognized and noticed, along with the rest of his deserving classmates, during graduation exercises May 15 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

   He should be able to be proud of his accomplishment, regardless of whether he wears a special Hispanic stole.