State University Issues Statement on Graduating Student Allegedly Called Out for Shoes
A state university has released an official statement about a graduating student who was called out for her shoes.
Previously, a graduating student identified as Cybelle Rio Jhane Hembra shared that she was stopped several times by school personnel because her black shoes supposedly did not meet the dress code requirements.
Hembra explained that the shoes, which she bought for only P400 on sale, were paid for using money she earned through side jobs while studying. According to her, the only guideline mentioned was to wear plain black closed shoes, and she believed hers met that standard.
On graduation day, she entered the Iloilo Convention Center with her mother, feeling excited and proud. Unfortunately, a faculty member pointed out that her shoes had straps, which they claimed were not allowed.
Even after removing the straps, a female marshall insisted her shoes were still unacceptable. She and her mother were asked to exit through a specific door, only to be stopped by a guard who said they couldn’t leave through that exit.
While waiting, the student noticed that other graduates with similar or more decorated shoes were allowed to join the ceremony.
Eventually, she was let in, but her mother was not allowed back since they were considered late. Later, just before going up the stage to receive her diploma, she was once again told to change her shoes.
Cybelle had to borrow from a classmate while holding back tears, fearing she would miss her moment. Despite finally stepping onstage, the experience left her heartbroken.
Recently, the Facebook page of West Visayas State University released an official statement regarding a graduating student’s heartbreaking experience of being called out for her shoes during the graduation ceremony.
Here is the full post:
“We are aware of the concerns raised online regarding a student’s graduation day experience.
We deeply value our students’ voices and are currently looking into the matter.
We thank everyone for their patience as we review our policies with compassion and fairness in mind.”
In a previous report, a graduating student in tears after being denied entry over wrong shoes
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
