Abdur-Rahman acknowledged that Principal Lisa Mesi warned students their families could not cheer or clap as they walked on stage.

“I understood the rules because I was saying ‘shh’ in the video. Do not say nothing because I want my diploma,” she said. “I knew and understood what we were supposed to do.”

The crowd laughed as she danced to the stage, which was cited as a motive not to give the student her diploma.

“If they thought that I shouldn’t do ‘The Griddy’ 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,” Abdur-Rahman said.

She added that three other girls were denied their diplomas during the June 9 graduation ceremony. They were handed their diplomas once it had concluded.

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