Emails obtained by Defending Education via a Freedom of Information Act request reveal that the Diversity Office at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) facilitated graduation events specifically for Black students, including expenditures of $640 for custom sashes and up to $1,200 for graduation meals.
These events were distinct from the general graduation ceremonies and were meant solely for Black seniors, although promotional materials suggested that guests were welcome.
Planning for the upcoming Black Graduation is set to start by January 29, 2026, when organizers will reach out to IMSA’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Title IX Coordinator, to acquire an estimated number of Black students for ordering graduation stoles.
“We are looking at the last Wednesday in May again for the Black graduation ceremonies, if that’s feasible,” the organizers wrote, seeking confirmation on how many students were likely to order stoles.
The Diversity Director replied that the Black Student Union wanted to connect with the recipients to discuss details and urged them to provide a date “as soon as possible” to book a venue.
An invoice dated March 27 shows an order for 12 “Black Sarape Sashes with Yellow Gold Custom Embroidery,” priced at $50 each. The total comes to $640, including $40 for shipping.
A promotional flyer encouraged participation to “celebrate Black graduation for the Class of 2026,” detailing a dinner, requiring formal attire, and indicating that the IMSA Black Alumni Association was the event’s sponsor and financial backer.
Correspondence suggests that both the Cherry Endowment and IMSA Fund were considered as potential sources to cover these costs. An April 15 email indicated that the Cherry Fund would finance the $640 sash order and up to $1,200 for graduation lunches, totaling $1,840.
The diversity director inquired whether the sash purchases could be processed directly through the “Multicultural Retention Not Designated” account. One email mentioned possibly using a personal card for payment and requesting reimbursement through an IMSA Fund holding account.
Records indicate several potential dates for the ceremony. An email from March 26 cited the Black Alumni Graduation Ceremony for Wednesday, May 20, with a likely time of 7 p.m., while a flyer mentioned Monday, May 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. An April 6 email mentioned the Latino student graduation ceremony on May 19.
On March 31, students raised concerns that the Black graduation might overlap with the Senior Sunset event.
“I noticed that Black graduation ceremonies might coincide with Senior Sunset,” one student pointed out. “We really don’t want Black seniors missing out on this event.”
Students sought options to resolve the timing conflict, echoing the sentiments of the diversity director and Black Alumni Association. According to records, the diversity office intervened to reschedule the event amid this dispute.
“American parents are weary of the focus on DEI and race in K-12 schools,” Paul Ranko, senior director of strategic initiatives at Defending Education, commented. “People expect schools to celebrate the achievements of all students and want their taxes to support an education system committed to academic excellence without ideological bias, even during students’ final celebrations.”
A complaint to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, filed in February 2024, accused IMSA of racial and gender discrimination through the Brotherhood Sister Circle affinity group. The claim, ultimately dismissed during the Biden administration, argued that access to certain programs was limited to Black and Latino students and that some activities were segregated by gender. Emails indicated that invitations to events were sent only to these groups, and the photographer for the yearbook covering the retreat was expected to be from either demographic. While the event was labeled for “Black and Latinx students,” it included academic resources and separate sessions for “men of color” and “women of color.” Advocates asserted that these race-based limitations violate Title VI and the Equal Protection Clause, and gender restrictions raise questions under Title IX and related clauses.
In December 2023, IMSA students organized a sit-in and strike to express their grievances regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, seeking tangible outcomes after incidents of bias. Their requests included consequences like detention and removal from leadership roles, along with notification to parents and potential universities. Students also called for pressing changes involving school staff, regular updates from the Office of Diversity, diverse hiring practices, and greater accountability to address incidents of racism and discrimination. According to IMSA’s bias reporting materials, community interactions should be devoid of bias and harassment, with anonymous reporting options covering categories such as race, gender, ability, and microaggressions.
