A measure spear-headed by 74th District State Representative Dan Swanson keeps gaining steam. Last week the Illinois House unanimously passed legislation for seniors graduating from high school who have completed their basic training to wear military dress uniforms during high school graduation.
“A junior can attend his or her basic training between their junior and senior year of high school or that senior could graduate early, go to basic training, come home and go to graduation and this would allow those students to wear their military uniform at graduation and show their pride of their branch of service,” Swanson says.
House Bill 5561 now awaits a Senate vote, and then will head to the Governor’s desk.
Swanson also tells WGIL that it was the Governor’s office that reached out to him in favor of legislation like this.
The traditional cap and gown is a mandate in most schools – since most districts look for uniformity during graduation ceremonies.
Swanson says it is against military regulations to wear any civilian robe or gown over a military uniform.
He says as soon as the measure was unanimously passed on the House floor, several other representatives approached Swanson wanting to co-sponsor the bill.
