Inclusive Graduation: A Vital Step Toward Strengthening Our Democracy

Students with intellectual disabilities have the fundamental right to celebrate their accomplishments alongside their peers. Yet, many are being denied the opportunity to participate in commencement—a pivotal moment that recognizes their resilience, hard work, and achievements. Excluding these students from such ceremonies not only diminishes their voices but also undermines the principles of inclusion and equality that are vital to our democracy. 

May 19, 2025

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco reaffirm our unwavering commitment to equity and access within our public education system. We believe that true democracy thrives when all members of our community are valued, included, and empowered. Unfortunately, the barriers faced by students with disabilities reveal a disturbing trend: when institutions fail to prioritize inclusion, they threaten the very foundation of democratic participation.

How can a state founded on the ideals of freedom, justice, and equal opportunity allow leadership that sidelines or excludes some of its most vulnerable? The absence of inclusion—whether in graduation ceremonies or in everyday educational practices—weakens the democratic fabric and diminishes the collective strength of our community.

This is why our mission remains so vital. We believe that public education is a fundamental right for every student (our child)—a right that must be protected and expanded to ensure full participation and representation for all. Societal inequalities that marginalize students with disabilities threaten not just individual futures but the integrity and vibrancy of our democracy.

Our shared vision is of a generation of capable, thoughtful leaders—leaders who recognize that the strength of democracy lies in its diversity and inclusivity. When we invest in ensuring that every child, regardless of ability or background, can participate fully in our schools and communities, democracy itself is strengthened.

Let us stand together, united in our commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice. Let us work tirelessly to ensure that every student's voice is heard, every achievement celebrated, and every family included in the fabric of our democracy.