In Maryland, a Boonsboro High School senior was not allowed to participate in her graduation ceremony because of concerns surrounding her makeup, leaving the 18-year-old and her family heartbroken on the big day. Nixx Cabrera-Guy is an aspiring piercer and tattoo artist and is the first person on her father’s side of the family to receive a high school diploma. She said she was told by Boonsboro High School principal, Michael Kuhaneck, that she had to remove her makeup or she could not sit with her fellow students or walk on stage during the ceremony. Cabrera-Guy and her family left the ceremony after she was told she couldn’t participate. She said she is a very creative person and is known in school for her expressive makeup. Calling the makeup part of her identity, Cabrera-Guy said it has never been an issue before. The high school issued a statement saying: “There were concerns about cultural considerations and disruptions to the graduation celebration.” The Washington County Public School dress code doesn’t include any information or guidelines on makeup specifically, but states that both permanent and temporary “body art” must be fully covered.
