Across the state, many high school students with developmental disabilities are being denied the privilege of participating in graduation with their classmates.

But, State Rep. Dave Upthegrove, D-Des Moines, noted recently, _"Walking with your friends at graduation is an important right of passage.

Upthegrove said he will introduce legislation guaranteeing the right of special education students to participate in graduation ceremonies with their classmates.

"This is the right thing to do to ensure that hardworking students with Developmental Disabilities receive the recognition they deserve," Upthegrove said.

Currently, many districts won't allow special education students who have completed four years of high school to participate in graduation if they plan on continuing with special education services beyond the fourth year.

Upthegrove's proposal is referred to as _"Kevin's Bill" for Kevin Britt, a Kentridge High School student with developmental disabilities.

Kevin and his parents were upset to learn that, under the Kent School District's outdated policy, he would be left in the bleachers while his classmates participated in graduation.

With the help of his parents and legal counsel, Kevin successfully lobbied the school district to change their policy.

_Currently, school districts set their own standards in determining who may participate in graduation ceremonies. _

_"There is no reason other students need to go through what Kevin did," said Upthegrove. "I am taking Kevin's fight to the Legislature to get his bill passed."