Bill > A02616

This bill requires each school district's board of education or board of trustees to establish a policy allowing for the posthumous awarding of high school diplomas to students who have died before graduating. To be eligible, the student must have completed the eleventh grade in the district and been expected to enroll in the twelfth grade in the same district during the following school year. The policy must outline specific procedures for conferring the diploma, including coordination with the student's parents or guardians about the diploma presentation, such as the location, proxy recipient, and potential family participation in graduation ceremonies. The bill mandates that schools provide annual written notice to students and parents about this policy. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that districts are not required to issue the diploma before the student's original graduation date or compel the family to attend graduation activities. Additionally, these posthumous diplomas will not be counted toward graduation statistics or used in federal or state accountability data reporting, ensuring they are purely a symbolic gesture of recognition and respect for the deceased student.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2616