Texas school bans Marine from wearing uniform at graduation

Associated Press - May 23, 2008 7:45 PM ET

WACO, Texas (AP) - A Central Texas senior is being banned from wearing her U.S. Marine uniform at her high school graduation.

Rachael James says she still may try to negotiate with Gatesville High School officials. But she plans to get her diploma May 30 no matter what, possibly wearing her uniform under her graduation gown.

The Gatesville school district requires seniors to wear black caps and gowns - except top-tier students, who wear white. The school also turned down an Eagle Scout's request to wear his uniform.

James credits the Marine Corps with giving her a future. Earlier this school year, the 18-year-old was on the verge of dropping out of high school, the Waco Tribune-Herald reported.

After signing up with the Marines, she went to North Carolina for 13-week boot camp in February. James received about $30,000 after qualifying for the Montgomery GI Bill and another $50,000 in scholarship money.

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