An Indiana man missed out on the opportunity to walk with his graduating high school class during the school’s commencement on Tuesday. And it wasn’t because of his grades.

It was because he was a Marine.

Well, partly. Jacob Dalton Stanley graduated early and joined the Corps. He wanted to wear his blue military dress uniform when he walked across the stage and accepted his diploma — but the school put their foot down. Crown Point High School in Crown Point, Indiana said “no”, and insisted he wear the traditional cap and gown like every other student, according to the Times of Northwest Indiana.

Whatever happened to supporting our troops?

According to NBC Chicago, while a lot of residents and fellow students condemned Crown Point HS for the decision, the principal of the school stands by it.

His argument (via the Miami Herald):

He argued that Stanley could have instead worn a military stole or cord over a gown and been recognized during the graduation ceremony.

“This (cap and gown) tradition is not intended to be disrespectful to students, parents or our community, but as a source of pride for our students,” Principal Chip Pettit told NBC Chicago. “It is also not intended to be disrespectful to our students choosing to serve in the military, our active duty servicemen and women and our veterans.”

Students and parents interviewed by NBC Chicago and the Times, however, said the situation was “ridiculous” and left them “disgusted” and “embarrassed.”

To add insult, a high school not far from Crown Point recently allowed one of their graduates to walk wearing their USMC uniform (Hobart High School).

Stanley, however, didn’t want to pour any gasoline on the fire.

“I don’t want the social media controversy that is drawing attention away from the Class of 2017. I also do not want to make any additional statements and wish to put this all behind me so I can start my career in the Marine Corps.”