To the Editor,

I am writing to express disappointment with a recent decision by the New York Mills School District to deny a local homeschool student the opportunity to participate in this year’s commencement ceremony.

This student, who has deep ties to our community and peers within the public school, simply wanted to walk with classmates and mark the end of their high school journey. What makes this even more disheartening is that homeschooling was not a choice made by the student, but a path determined by circumstance. Despite that, they remained engaged with peers through sports and extracurriculars and have worked hard to reach this milestone. Their only request was to walk alongside classmates in a moment of celebration and closure.

The district’s response, citing state guidance, fell short of what this student—and our community—deserve. The Minnesota Department of Education offers recommendations, not requirements, on this issue. Local districts have the autonomy to lead with empathy. Our own policies even allow the superintendent discretion in the absence of a clear rule. This was a moment for compassionate leadership—and we missed it. 

What’s more frustrating is the mention of funding as part of the rationale. It was suggested that homeschool students “don’t bring money to the district.” This line of thinking is deeply troubling. Graduation ceremonies are not pay-to-participate events. They are about celebrating student achievement and community spirit. And as a local taxpayer with no children currently in the public school system, I find it disheartening to hear financial return discussed in a situation where compassion and equity should be the focus.

Despite no financial burden to the district, no disruption to the ceremony, and a thoughtful policy draft presented to guide this decision, the answer was no—based on state-level guidance that is not a legal mandate. This decision did not cost the district anything—but it cost a student something meaningful.

This wasn’t about special treatment. It was about recognizing effort, community, and the desire to belong. Graduation is more than a diploma—it’s a symbol of growth, perseverance and shared celebration. Excluding this student sends the wrong message: that if your path isn’t traditional, your achievements matter less.

We can do better. And we should.

Sincerely,

Taylor Kupfer

New York Mills