Samuel Gompers High School Denies Student to Participate at Graduation Ceremony

On Friday, June 26, 2009 at 8:30 AM, New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz’s office will join at a press conference with the family of Bianca Torres, a Samuel Gompers High School Senior student outside her school located at 455 Southern Boulevard in The Bronx.

Ms. Torres and her parents were informed at 2 PM on June 25 th that Bianca Torres would not be permitted to attend the high school graduation ceremony, although she seems to meet all criteria.  The New York City Chancellor’s guidelines were clearly not followed, thereby depriving Bianca's parents time to appeal this last minute exclusion.  

“It is a shame that any student who has a strong attendance record and has worked hard to succeed should feel like someone has pulled the rug from under her at the last minute,” stated Senator Reverend Diaz.

It is believed that school officials delayed giving this last minute notification to prevent any legal action such as an order to show cause to prevent them from keeping Ms. Torres away from the graduation.  Since the graduation is set to be held at 9 AM, there would be almost no time for Ms. Torres’ parents to have an Article 78 petition filed timely.

For further information, please contact Senator Diaz’s Office Manager, Helen Jacome at 347/573-7157.