Eighteen year old, Nyree Holmes, an African American Cosumnes Oaks High School student was escorted out by three Sacramento County Sheriffs during his graduation ceremony for wearing a Kente cloth over his robe for his graduation. Holmes explained the importance of the Kente cloth, describing it as a symbol that represents his people in Africa as well as his Christian religion which is one reason he felt the need to wear it during his graduation. He also believes we are forced to wear European robes during graduation ceremonies we should be allowed to wear something the represents our heritage as well.

An officer approached Holmes while he was standing in line to go up on stage to ask him to remove the Kente cloth. Holmes refused so the officer called reinforcement to help escort him out. In that moment, the time for Holmes to go on stage came and he went up proudly on stage but was greeted at the other end by the security. His father had to request the help of another security officer who allowed Holmes back inside the arena to collect his diploma.

Despite the unnecessary attention Holmes received on his graduation night he will be attending California State University in Fullerton this fall where he will be majoring in cinema art to pursue his dream of becoming a film director.