A Philadelphia muslim high school graduate was left embarrassed after she was denied her diploma during the graduation ceremony for dancing on stage.
Hafsah Abdur-Rahman, 17, is calling for change after she was denied her diploma from The Philadelphia High School for Girls for doing a dance known as “The Griddy” during the June 9 ceremony.
According to ABC 6, a viral video shows the teen getting called to accept her diploma and dancing over to the faculty member holding the document.
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However, instead of handing the graduate her diploma, the teacher denied Abdur-Rahman for doing the dance on stage.
“I understood the rules because I was saying ‘shh’ in the video. Do not say nothing because I want my diploma,” said Abdur-Rahman. “I knew and understood what we were supposed to do.”
The teen thinks because others laughed at her dance, that’s what prevented her from receiving the diploma.
“If they thought that I shouldn’t do ‘The Griddy’ across the stage and do the Girls’ High traditions, nobody should have been able to wave or blow kisses or do period signs because I feel like that’s the same thing, she said. “I feel like that’s unfair.”
Abdur-Rahman said her moment was in honor of her sister who was killed at 14 years old and now it was ruined.
The school has since released a statement about withholding the diplomas.
Watch the video below. Thoughts?
