Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Holds Special Graduation Ceremony for Black Students

“The event was separate from IMSA’s general commencement ceremony and was for black seniors only”

Posted by Mike LaChance Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00am 0 Comments

Progressives seem intent on setting back the Civil Rights Movement.

Exclusive: Illinois STEM School Helped Organize, Fund Black Graduation with Nearly $2K of School Money

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s (IMSA) diversity office helped organize a graduation ceremony for black students, which included $640 in custom sashes and up to $1,200 for a graduation lunch, according to emails obtained by Defending Education through a Freedom of Information Act request.

The event was separate from IMSA’s general commencement ceremony and was for black seniors only, although the promotional flyer indicated that guests could attend.

The records show planning for the black graduation was underway by January 29, 2026, when an organizer asked IMSA’s director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Title IX coordinator to provide an approximate number of black students so that graduation stoles could be ordered.

“For the Black Graduation, we’re thinking of the last Wednesday in May again, if possible,” the organizer wrote. “Could you share approximately how many Black students there are to order stoles?”

The diversity director responded that the Black Student Union hoped to connect with the recipients to discuss details and asked to be informed of the date “ASAP” so that she could schedule a room.

An invoice dated March 27 shows an order for 12 “Black Sarape Sash with Yellow Gold custom embroidery” items at $50 each. The $600 subtotal, combined with $40 in shipping, brought the total to $640.

A promotional flyer invited attendees to “celebrate the class of 2026 at their Black graduation.” It advertised dinner, required formal attire, and identified the IMSA Black Alumni Association as the event’s sponsor and funder.