Controversy Erupts at Lower Merion High School Graduation

Graduates at Lower Merion High School during a controversial graduation ceremony.

News Summary

The graduation ceremony at Lower Merion High School faced significant backlash after student Evan Tedgi was initially barred from participating due to wearing a keffiyeh-patterned headscarf, deemed a political statement by school officials. The incident ignited discussions on discrimination and students’ rights to free expression, as advocates criticized the school district’s dress code policies that led to the enforcement of such restrictions. Parental concerns and calls for policy review have emerged as the district navigates the complexities surrounding political attire in educational settings.

Lower Merion, Pennsylvania – A graduation ceremony for a student at Lower Merion High School was marred by controversy after the student, Evan Tedgi, was initially prevented from participating fully due to wearing a keffiyeh-patterned headscarf. The incident occurred on June 5, 2025, during the graduation ceremony held at Villanova University, and has since sparked discussions about discrimination and students’ rights to free expression.

According to reports, Tedgi was approached by school officials who informed them that the colors of the headscarf were associated with a “political statement.” Following this assertion, Tedgi was asked to remove the headscarf to avoid any disruption during the ceremony. After complying, the student was allowed to return to partake in a portion of the graduation, albeit under strict supervision. These events unfolded despite the school district having previously issued guidelines prohibiting attire with political messages during the ceremony.

Prior to the graduation, the Lower Merion School District had informed seniors and their families of specific dress codes aimed at maintaining the ceremony’s decorum. The district’s stance was that students could either remove items that violated these guidelines or choose not to participate in the ceremony. This led to a significant discussion about the implications of such policies, as many students and advocates viewed the measures as potentially discriminatory.

As the ceremony unfolded, Tedgi reported being pressured to consent to a search, which involved emptying pockets and being patted down by officials who suspected the student might be concealing weapons. After the search, conditions were placed on Tedgi’s participation, including restrictions on hand gestures and salutes during the event. Moreover, during the graduation, Tedgi was observed by a school official and a police officer, and was kept in a separate room to watch the ceremony via livestream after receiving their diploma.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ Philadelphia chapter has condemned the Lower Merion School District’s actions as a “clear violation of students’ rights to free expression,” categorizing the incident as both racial and political profiling. The organization’s response reflects a growing concern among advocates regarding the implications of political attire in educational settings. Tedgi, who indicated that the keffiyeh is an essential part of their identity, expressed frustration that the garment had previously not been an issue before this graduation.

Following the incident, numerous advocacy groups called for a review of the district’s policies regarding graduation dress codes and requested a formal apology to Tedgi. The district acknowledged that graduation ceremonies should be celebratory events, emphasizing that the guidelines were designed to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

Alongside the controversy surrounding Tedgi’s experience, parental concerns have arisen regarding the handling of antisemitism and perceived biases in addressing pro-Palestinian sentiments. In recent months, there have been similar incidents reported at nearby Harriton High School, where students displayed Israeli flags during their graduation. This backdrop of growing tensions regarding political expression among students has highlighted the complexities surrounding the enforcement of dress codes within public schools.

The Lower Merion School District continues to face scrutiny as discussions regarding student expression rights and the implications of political attire in educational settings persist. The outcome of this incident remains to be seen as stakeholders call for policy revisions and more inclusive practices in managing symbolic expressions of student identity.