Plans in the works for Fresno Unified’s first Latinx graduation ceremony this spring
In the majority Latinx district of Fresno Unified, students say it’s time for a graduation ceremony that honors the Latinx student body specifically.
Members of the district’s Global Student League from Edison High School recently presented to the school board their vision for a “Chicanx Latinx High School Recognition Celebration,” which would feature Spanish as the primary language, special recognition for first-generation high school graduates, and mariachi performers, among other distinctions.
While certain details, such as the cost and a specific date, remain unclear, the district is on its way to hosting its first Latinx graduation celebration this spring.
“A ceremony will happen this year, with potential expansion next year as the number of additional community sponsors increases,” district spokesperson Diana Diaz said in an email to The Bee’s Education Lab.
McLane High School’s stadium should serve as the venue in June, the students said, and be open to 400 seniors on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“We wanted something,” said Edison sophomore Mariela Hernández Arellano, “where our culture, language and academic achievements are recognized and celebrated.”
Students hope the celebration primarily “in a language that our families can understand,” would help boost graduation rates among the district’s Latinx students and Spanish speakers.
For the past five graduating classes, graduation rates for Hispanic students have hovered between 85% and 89%, according to California Department of Education data. That’s nearly identical to the district as a whole over the same period.
Among Hispanic English learners, however, those rates trail behind.
Those students climbed from a five-year low of 70% in the 2019-20 year to 78% in the 2021-22 year – but that was still more than 10% lower than the Class of 2022 as a whole.
The students proposed activities to specifically honor graduating Spanish speakers, including recognition for students who receive a seal of biliteracy in Spanish and English on their diplomas.
Other leaders in Fresno are already on board with the plan.
Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval has agreed to serve as the keynote speaker for the Class of 2023’s celebration, university spokesperson Lisa Bell confirmed to the Ed Lab, though she added that the president has yet to agree to a specific date.
Councilmember Miguel Arias also spoke in support of the proposal at the March 8 board meeting, stating the city is offering its “full support” and that it would help fund the ceremony as needed.
“Everybody has a place,” he said, “and everybody should be made to feel like they were part of the success of these students – especially their parents or grandparents.”
Trustees commended the students’ plan as well.
“I think a handful of us on this board are also (coming) from Spanish-speaking households,” said Trustee Claudia Cazares, “(and) spoke Spanish as our first language. So we’re happy to be able to support you.”
“We’re past due,” added student board member Joseph Aquino, “of honoring the Latino community.”
Moving forward, the students asked for the district’s help spreading the word about the ceremony to seniors at FUSD’s high schools, transporting students to the event, and dedicating a district representative for the planning committee in advance of the proposed June event.
The Education Lab is a local journalism initiative that highlights education issues critical to the advancement of the San Joaquin Valley. It is funded by donors. Learn about The Bee’s Education Lab at its website.
