LAKESIDE, Calif. (KGTV) - An online petition has gathered more than 1,400 signatures after students at El Capitan High School learned that a decades-old yearbook tradition will end this year.
The controversy centers around senior quotes — personalized messages that appear under each graduating student's photo in the yearbook. Principal Carrie Gaeir canceled the tradition in late January, citing concerns about inappropriate content and the difficulty of vetting modern slang.
"Senior quotes are about student expression. We get to sum up who we are as students," said Raegan Hudson, the school's second-year yearbook editor in chief.
Hudson said her yearbook staff had been collecting nearly 300 quotes for this year's graduating class over the past few months. Five staff members and an adviser flagged a handful of quotes as possibly inappropriate and asked students to revise them before sending the submissions to Gaeir.
"I was heartbroken," Hudson said about learning the section was canceled.
In a letter sent to seniors and their families, Gaeir highlighted the phrase “protecting student legacy," adding that "the complexity of modern slang makes it increasingly difficult to vet submissions with 100% certainty."
Hudson said the principal used artificial intelligence to review the quotes, which flagged some as inappropriate.
"She put them all into an AI and it came back, these are inappropriate. These are where things can go wrong," Hudson said.
The yearbook editor believes the decision shows a lack of faith in her staff's ability to properly vet submissions. She said she isn't aware of any major issues with senior quotes in previous years.
"We are of the time. We know the slang. We would be able to vet them. We should be able to find a solution, to collaborate instead of canceling everything,” Hudson said.
When asked if she considers the decision censorship, Hudson responded: “Yes, because our voices aren't being heard."
Senior Berlin Dixon, who serves as student body vice president, expressed frustration with the administration's choice.
"It took away a big El Cap experience and the typical senior experience," Dixon said.
For Hudson, the canceled tradition represents more than just a yearbook section.
"I get to look back what we were as a teenage. I think that has been stolen from me," Hudson said.
Carrie Gaeir Principal Carrie Gaeir sent out a second letter on Thursday to seniors and their families:
Dear Vaquero Students and Families,
I am writing to our entire El Capitan High School community to address the recent decision to discontinue senior quotes in the yearbook. I appreciate those who have taken the time to share their perspectives. I have read and responded to emails, reviewed the petition that has been circulating, spoken with staff and community members, and met with our Student Senate to hear concerns directly from student leaders. I value open, thoughtful dialogue and want to acknowledge the frustration and disappointment many have expressed.
Those feelings are completely valid and understandable. For many seniors, a yearbook quote represents a meaningful milestone – a chance to reflect on your high school journey and leave a personal mark on a keepsake that will last a lifetime. I also recognize that some students had already taken time to thoughtfully select and submit quotes after being invited to do so.
Given the significance of this tradition, this decision was not made lightly. It was informed by many factors, including my 18 years of experience as a high school yearbook adviser. I understand the extraordinary work that goes into producing a yearbook, its role as a permanent historical record, and its importance in preserving students’ legacies. I am also keenly aware of how easily something inappropriate – even unintentionally – can slip through the review process and create controversy or lasting harm once permanently printed.
When I was asked to review all 282 senior quote submissions, I evaluated them through the lens of my experience and flagged a number of them for potential innuendo, harassment, coded language, or other inappropriate content, including references to drugs and alcohol. Others were vague enough to require further review to ensure they could not reasonably be interpreted as targeting or bullying another student. In today’s environment – where slang, double meanings, and social trends evolve rapidly – and given the potential liability to the school and District, the risk of publishing harmful or inappropriate content in a permanent record must be weighed carefully.
While I understand the concern expressed by some that discontinuing senior quotes feels like “punishing the many for the sins of a few,” the number of questionable submissions was substantial enough that comprehensive vetting of every quote would be required each year. Ensuring an appropriate level of certainty would create a significant administrative burden and require redirecting time and resources from our core focus: instruction, student support, and the overall educational program.
It is also important to be clear that this decision is not about limiting or censoring student expression. Students at El Capitan have many meaningful opportunities to express their voices, perspectives, and individuality — in classrooms, through student organizations and leadership, in publications and performances, at events and activities, and in many other ways. The yearbook is one specific publication with unique responsibilities as a permanent historical record, and it must be prepared accordingly.
Additionally, not all high schools in the Grossmont Union High School District include senior quotes in their yearbooks. As school leaders, we must continually evaluate not only traditions, but all practices and procedures, through the lenses of student safety, appropriateness, and potential liability. Traditions at El Capitan High School have evolved over time when circumstances required change. While I deeply respect the feelings that have been expressed, I firmly believe this is one of those moments.
My priority must always be the safety and well-being of all students, the integrity of our school community, and the protection of every student’s future. After careful consideration, I believe standing by this decision is the responsible course of action.
I am grateful for the respectful dialogue that has taken place. Even when we do not all agree, I value the opportunity to listen and to explain the reasoning behind difficult decisions. Thank you for your engagement and your shared commitment to supporting every Vaquero.
Sincerely,
Carrie Gaeir
Principal
