Brentwood HS student gets special graduation after uniform controversy

BRENTWOOD, Calif. (KGO) -- An 18-year-old U.S. Army reservist finally got his high school diploma Monday afternoon after the principal banned him from walking in his graduation ceremony last Friday, while wearing his military uniform.

Hundreds of well-wishers saluted a young man at what amounted to a substitute graduation ceremony.

Harland Fletcher was told he couldn't wear his military uniform at his real Liberty Union High School graduation ceremony last Friday. His principal insisted he had to wear a cap and gown.

RELATED: Brentwood school apologizes over refusal to let graduating student wear military uniform

"Legally, this is the uniform. It's perfectly acceptable at ceremonies like this, I can wear this uniform. And they told you no? They told me no and I told him I can't deface the uniform like that. I can't wear something over this and hide it. This isn't something that should be hidden," said Fletcher.

The superintendent later issued an online apology. On Monday, the principal apologized publicly.

"I deeply regret what occurred. And I thought I needed to do two things in my life. One, apologize, and two, try to find a way to make it better," said Principal Patrick Walsh of Liberty High.

Veterans of the Army, Air Force and U.S. Marines and coast guard came out in uniform to honor Fletcher for standing his ground, as he finally got his diploma.

RELATED: Public sounds off at Morgan Hill school board over flag shirt controversy

"I don't know you, but I'm here to support you. Thank you sir," said Carmen Jepsen of Oakley.

The young man's goal is to make sure that other high school students aren't stopped from walking in their graduation ceremony because they are wearing a uniform.

Though the school district promises to revise their graduation policy, Fletcher has not yet ruled out a lawsuit.