Parents call for reconsideration of graduation ban after senior prank
A group of seniors at Palm Desert High School is banned from walking with their class at graduation after a senior prank that led to the group vandalizing school property just weeks before the March 30 ceremony.
News Channel 3's Jennifer Franco spoke with parents of the some students involved in the prank. "The senior prank that occurred at Palm Desert High School went too far that day and it involved maybe 30 plus students," stated Marsha Beezley, a parent of two of the students involved.
According to Beezley, she, her husband, and school officials agreed on a two-day suspension, no senior activities, and extra assignments for their boys as a punishment for the prank. Days later, however, the chance to walk with their class during graduation was also taken away from the students involved in the incident.
Confused by the principal's last minute reversal, Marsha Beezley wrote a letter to the district superintendent about her concerns. The letter requests "that the terms agreed upon during our meeting with the assistant principal, which were subsequently documented and signed, be honored."
Alexis Sanchez, another parent of a student involved in the prank, found the situation equally upsetting. "I do believe that all these children should go ahead and walk," said Sanchez.
Both parents said that the vandalism included paint and chalk that was later washed away, and that there was no damage to the property. Alexis Sanchez and Marsha Beezley both offered to pay the school and were told it was not necessary.
New Channel 3 has been told by numerous sources that there was a large group of students involved and an incident within this prank was volatile to one teacher. That situation is still being dealt with.
News Channel 3 reached out to Desert Sands Unified School District to obtain security footage of the vandalism, however the school district denied the request due to the ongoing investigation. However, a district spokesperson provided the following statement:
"Desert Sands Unified School District congratulates each and every one of our members of the class of 2024. Close to 1,800 seniors will receive their diplomas this year. We consider graduation to be the formal send-off to these young people who will begin careers and college in the months ahead.
We are deeply disappointed that this year’s graduation celebration was marred by destructive, obscene, and offensive after-hours actions when a number of students gained access to a locked district facility. Appropriate consequences have been assigned for a number of PDHS seniors. This means that they will graduate, but will not be able to take part in the graduation ceremony.
Decisions like this are extremely difficult and although the DSUSD community is saddened by these actions we are hopeful that this will be a meaningful learning opportunity for the students as they move forward with their lives. Impacted DSUSD staff members had counseling and other services made available due to the traumatic nature of the events."
Mary Perry, Public Information Officer, DSUSD
