What a change from WWII. My dad told me, he and his classmates were allowed to graduate early, in Jan 1942, if they joined the army.
“dress code” violations like this are just a libs way of saying we don’t support your idea. If some muzzie showed up in some kind of muzzie gear, they would be allowed.
There is another somewhat subtle premise for the school’s action..... academic precedent or perhaps academic pride. Hoary academic ceremony is at stake.
The gown and the various add on’s that are the marks of academic rank or privilege are pretty much the only way present day academics can show their stuff. The Brits at Oxford wear the gowns when they teach. We Saw obama decked out in a gaudy red gown with colored falderal around his shoulders when delivering a commencement address.
The Marine dress blues are the Marine equivalent. The pope and cardinals all dress up in their fancy miters and uniforms for formal occasions. Police dressup in their blues for such ceremonies, officer and all.
I have a photo with my kindergarten cap and gown at graduation.
Wearing the cap and gown is the only appropriate attire for the accademic ceremony