• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Principal replaced after denying high school graduate her diploma for dancing during ceremony

Home> News

Published 09:44 6 Jul 2023 GMT+1

Principal replaced after denying high school graduate her diploma for dancing during ceremony

The student said she was 'so embarrassed' after being denied her diploma

Emily Brown

Emily Brown

A Philadelphia principal has been replaced after refusing to hand over high school diplomas to at least two students who prompted audience reactions at their graduation ceremonies.

Lisa Mesi sparked controversy with her response to the students, in particular Hafsah Abdur-Rahman, whose rejection went viral after being caught on camera last month.

The heartbreaking footage showed Hafsah excitedly walking and dancing across the stage, causing an audience member to laugh as she prepared for the milestone moment of accepting her diploma from the Philadelphia High School for Girls.

Advert

Her excitement turned to 'embarrassment' when she was rejected by Mesi as she refused to give her the diploma.

It came after Mesi reportedly warned students about certain protocols they had to follow on the day, but Hafsah argued: "If they thought that I shouldn't do 'The Griddy' [dance] across the stage and do the Girls' High traditions, nobody should have been able to wave or blow kisses or do period signs because I feel like that's the same thing.

"I feel like that's unfair."

Hafsah Abdul-Rahman was 'embarrassed' when she was denied her diploma.
6abc Philadelphia

Advert

In another instance, a student flipped her hair and made a gesture while on the stage, causing an audience member to clap.

Former students from the school rallied around the principal after news of the Mesi's responses came to light, describing her in a statement as a 'compassionate leader and outspoken advocate' for students.

"We are fortunate to have her shepherding our alma mater through incredibly difficult years - through city - wide budget cuts, policy changes and a global pandemic that magnified every obstacle the faculty, administration and our dear little sisters have faced," the statement added.

However, the School District of Philadelphia responded to the incident to say it 'does not condone the withholding of earned diplomas', and apologised to those impacted.

Advert

The district said diplomas should not be denied to deserving students.
Gül Işık/Pexels

"[We] are further looking into this matter to avoid it happening in the future," the district added.

Part of the district's efforts to prevent a similar event appears to be a change in leadership, with Mesi having been replaced by 'substitute principal' Janis Butler after four years on the job.

Philadelphia School District Associate Superintendent Tomás Hanna described the move as a 'temporary change in leadership', adding: “Dr. Butler is excited to support the school community to help set the stage for a successful 2023-2024 school year.”

Advert

“While this is the only information I can share at this time, I am committed to providing updates as additional information becomes available,” Hanna added.

It is currently unclear whether Mesi will be reinstated at the school in the future.

Featured Image Credit: 6ABC

Topics: US News, School, Viral

Emily Brown
Emily Brown

Emily Brown is UNILAD Editorial Lead at LADbible Group. She first began delivering news when she was just 11 years old - with a paper route - before graduating with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University. Emily joined UNILAD in 2018 to cover breaking news, trending stories and longer form features. She went on to become Community Desk Lead, commissioning and writing human interest stories from across the globe, before moving to the role of Editorial Lead. Emily now works alongside the UNILAD Editor to ensure the page delivers accurate, interesting and high quality content.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

11 hours ago
12 hours ago
  • 11 hours ago

    Former FBI agent reveals quick thinking trick he pulled off to stop his own murder

    Scott Payne had to think on his feet to escape an undercover mission with his life

    News
  • 11 hours ago

    Ingredient found in Ziploc freezer bags could have harmful effects on body, shocking new lawsuit claims

    A Ziploc spokesperson has stated its products are 'safe when used as directed and that the lawsuit is without merit'

    News
  • 12 hours ago

    Woman, 27, found alive after 3 weeks missing in mountains details how she survived

    Officials said it was a 'miracle' Tiffany Slaton survived her ordeal

    News
  • 12 hours ago

    Diddy’s former personal assistant details how he would allegedly prepare hotel rooms and what they were stocked with

    David James was an assistant to the rapper between 2007 and 2009

    Celebrity
  • High school graduate denied her diploma on stage by principal after dancing during ceremony
  • High school graduate speaks out after she’s declined diploma for dancing during ceremony
  • High school graduate denied her diploma on stage by principal after dancing during ceremony
  • Woman who went to high school with Taylor Swift claims a lot of people 'hated her'