Parents and BSU ask East Penn to allow Kente stoles at graduation; board hears but takes no action

Emmaus — Several public speakers told the East Penn School District Board on Dec. 8 that the district should allow Black Student Union officers to wear Kente cloth stoles at graduation to acknowledge cultural identity and advance student belonging.

Alyssa Bowman and Bart Bailey said student leaders were told they could not wear Kente stoles because stoles are reserved for National Honor Society or military students; they urged the board to revisit that interpretation and to create a more inclusive policy. Bailey specifically requested that five BSU leadership positions (president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, historian) be allowed to wear the Kente cloth at commencement.

Jess Denke, an East Penn parent and Muhlenberg College librarian, supported the request and cited research linking cultural identity and supportive systems to reduced anxiety and improved belonging for students. She said the stole is a small symbol that lets students represent themselves and their community.

No board motion or vote on graduation attire was recorded during the meeting; administration invited public comment and suggested further consideration. The matter remains unresolved pending any future administrative recommendation or board action.