When do the rules get bent?

A friend retired from the school where I used to work.  He posted a photo of the 32nd and final graduation ceremony at the school.  It reminded me that in the nearly 17 years and 17 graduations that took place while I worked there, I only attended one.  The only reason I went to that one is because three students in the senior class asked me to attend.  Two who I had coached on the girl's varsity volleyball team the year prior and one whose family I had helped with their financial aid paperwork year in and year out.  If I hadn't left the school later that year, I would have probably gone to all of the future graduation ceremonies, as I found the one I did attend to be inspiring.  More on my experiences with graduation later.

This is a photo of Tanya Aguon and her son outside of Rupp Arena where the son was supposed to walk the stage at his high school graduation.

He was not allowed to walk the stage because of his attire.  Now if the dress code hadn't been made clear in advance, there would be a reason to complain.  But this flyer was distributed.  It made it clear that denim or jeans (any color) and sneakers were not acceptable.

He was not alone.  Approximately 20 students didn't get to walk for graduation for dress code violations or because they arrived late.  The flyer made it clear students should arrive by 11:30 a.m. and any arriving after 12:15 p.m. would be denied participation in the ceremony which would begin promptly at 12:30 p.m.

In a world where there are problems with cars, traffic and the like; planning to arrive just before 12:15 p.m. would be very risky.  To those who say there should be a "grace period" what about the fact that there was a 45 minute window for arrivals?  The arrival time was 11:30 a.m. and the deadline was 12:15.

My first test for promotion in the Air Force was for the paygrade/rank of E-5/Staff Sergeant.  We were told that the door to the testing room would be locked promptly at 8:00 a.m.  No exceptions.  I was very early.  I wasn't going to miss my opportunity to be promoted the first time eligible.  I had months of studying invested in that promotion.  These students had invested 12 years of education to reach that stage.  Why would they risk that by being late?  Why would they risk that by not complying with the dress code?

Maybe I'm cold and heartless but I have little sympathy for those who didn't get to walk the stage because they didn't comply with the dress code; or they didn't arrive by the deadline.  When the rules and the consequences for failing to follow them are made clear, either follow the rules or pay the price.