District That Removed Teen From Graduation Eases Dress Code

(AP) - Officials at a Northern California school district have relaxed rules on what graduating students can wear after a student was escorted out in May because he refused to remove an African cloth.

The Elk Grove Unified school board voted unanimously Tuesday to allow high school graduates to wear leis, cultural garments, and other gear with their gowns when they walk the stage.

The change comes after three sheriff's deputies forced Cosumnes Oaks graduate Nyree Holmes to leave his graduation ceremony being held at Sleep Train Arena when he refused to remove a kente cloth.

Holmes was allowed to walk across the stage and receive a certificate holder for his diploma but was forced to leave right after.

He posted a video of the incident on social media that garnered attention throughout the country.

Cosumnes Oaks' rules at the time only allowed students to wear their caps and gowns, along with medals, cords or pins received through school achievements or activities.