The new measure requires school districts to permit students who meet graduation requirements as an active member of the military and completed basic training to represent their branch of service in dress uniform rather than the traditional graduation gown.
New Jersey joins only Pennsylvania, California and New Hampshire in allowing the option.
“Students who have entered the military deserve the opportunity to proudly display their commitment to freedom and patriotic service to the country in front of their families, friends and teachers,” said Morris County Assemblywoman Betty Lou DeCroce, one of the bill sponsors.“These young men and women have done the work required to graduate, and endured the grueling mental and physical challenges of boot camp," DeCroce said. "They have earned the right to wear their dress uniform and walk with their classmates.”
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