Bibb schools stands by its graduation policy for exchange students after viral post

The Bibb County School District is standing by its policy of not allowing international exchange students to participate in graduation ceremonies after a wave of community concern on social media, according to an updated social media post.

The issue, first brought to attention through a social media post, centered around two exchange students at Rutland High School who were told they would not be allowed to walk in the school’s upcoming commencement ceremony despite participating in senior activities throughout the year, as previously reported by The Telegraph.

Under district guidelines, exchange students may earn academic credit but are not eligible to receive diplomas or participate in graduation exercises.

Briana Thompson-Spears, who’s hosting the international students, posted about the issue on Facebook April 18, attracting hundreds of comments and shares. Bibb County Superintendent Dan Sims commented on the post, saying there would be conversations between the district, family and students to address the matter.

Thompson-Sears provided an update in an April 25 post.

In a recent meeting with school officials, the district reaffirmed its policy but offered participation alternatives that had not yet been finalized, she said in the post. Thompson-Sears said options included a pre-ceremony senior experience and the possibility of serving in a different role during the event, such as a class guide or usher.

District spokesperson Stephanie Hartley said Tuesday there have been no changes to the district’s exchange student policy. The suggested accommodations, as described by Thompson-Sears, were not confirmedl by the district prior to publication.

Thompson-Sears said the exchange students fully participated in the school community throughout the year.

“To be completely transparent… that was difficult to hear,” Thompson-Sears wrote. “After watching the girls fully embracing the senior year experience in every way, being offered a role that does not reflect that journey felt disappointing and disheartening.

“The reality is, they showed up as seniors in the classroom, in activities, in friendships, and in the school community. That experience is real, regardless of how this decision turned out,” she said, citing miscommunication throughout the process.

Bibb County Schools did not respond to requests for comment about what steps are taken to ensure that host families understand its policy before students are enrolled.

Despite the outcome, Thompson-Sears said the family is shifting their focus toward celebrating the students for their academic success.

“At this point, we are choosing to protect our peace, stand together, and focus on celebrating this season in a way that truly honors everything that has been accomplished,” she said in the post. “This moment matters, and they deserve to feel seen, valued, and celebrated and that is exactly what we will make sure happens.”

Rutland High School’s graduation is scheduled for May 21, according to the district’s website.