Cybelle posts a photo of the shoes she wore (inset) at her graduation at West Visayas State University.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) in the Philippines has launched an investigation into a viral incident involving a graduating student who said her commencement ceremony was marred after she was reprimanded and almost barred from participating due to her shoes. The controversy erupted after a student, identified as Cybelle, shared her experience on Facebook, detailing how her graduation “was ruined” over a pair of black shoes she had worked hard to buy. “I didn’t know that the shoes I worked hard to buy would end up ruining my graduation,” she said in Filipino. According to Cybelle, she wore a pair of black closed Parisian shoes, which she had purchased for PHP 400 during a sale using money she earned from part-time jobs in college. She believed the shoes complied with the school’s guideline of “plain black closed shoes.” “This was the first time I had a branded pair of shoes that I could afford. I was excited,” she wrote in Filipino. “All I knew was they required ‘black closed shoes’. There was no picture or specific basis provided.” On Graduation Day at the Iloilo Convention Center, Cybelle said she was with her mother when a faculty member told her that straps on the shoes were not allowed. “I removed the strap, but another female marshal still stopped us and said my shoes were not allowed. I froze and told her I didn’t have a spare pair. I didn’t have the money to buy another one,” she recalled. She said they were told to exit through the far right door, where a guard then blocked them again. By the time they reentered the venue, her mother was no longer allowed back in as they were considered latecomers. Inside, Cybelle said she queued up to receive her diploma, believing the issue was resolved. But while in line, she was approached by another person who whispered in Filipino: “Change your shoes. Borrow from a classmate.” Despite believing the shoes wouldn’t be visible due to floral arrangements on stage and camera angles, she borrowed a pair, ran toward the stage in tears, and forced a smile for her graduation photo. “I know I didn’t look good in that photo. That photo cost P150 – that’s my two-day food allowance,” she said in Filipino. She added that several other students with similar shoes were allowed to march, including one whose shoes had a silver design and others with back straps. “How about us who could only afford the best shoes we could buy? What if we don’t have extra money for your requirements? Was there no consideration?” she asked. The post quickly went viral, sparking outrage and sympathy online. In response, West Visayas State University issued a statement on its official Facebook page, saying: “We are aware of the concerns raised online regarding a student’s graduation day experience. We deeply value our students’ voices and are currently looking into the matter. We thank everyone for their patience as we review our policies with compassion and fairness in mind.” As of this writing, WVSU has not confirmed whether disciplinary action will be taken or if any changes to their dress code policies will be implemented. CAM/Expat Media
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