DENVER — Douglas County High School on Wednesday moved the location of its upcoming graduation after teachers and union leaders raised concerns that holding the ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy created hurdles that could have prevented undocumented students and their families from attending the celebration.

The new venue for the May 22 commencement — Echo Park Stadium in Parker — “allows us to ensure all who wish to attend can do so and celebrate with our Huskies,” Douglas County High School Principal Tony Kappas wrote in an email to teachers, students and families Wednesday.

The school’s graduation is on the same date, but the time has been changed to 3 p.m.

Educators had raised concerns about restrictions to enter the Air Force Academy — including requiring adults to present a valid form of photo identification — shutting out undocumented students and their family members.

“We worked closely with our students and families, as well as representatives from the Air Force Academy, to ensure our community understood the security requirements at the Academy and that everyone who wished to attend the commencement ceremony would be able to do so,” Kappas wrote in the email. “Unfortunately, there has been increased scrutiny by some in our community, as well as members of the media, regarding the location of our graduation ceremony.”

To enter the Air Force Academy in El Paso County, adult attendees must present a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license or state identification card. Nobody under 18 is required to show ID unless they’re driving onto the base, Air Force officials say.

People who aren’t U.S. citizens, but hold foreign passports, must present those passports ahead of time and go through a background clearance that could take up to 72 hours. Drivers might be asked to show their proof of insurance and vehicle registration and all cars are subject to search.

“Should this be required to access an Air Force Academy? Most would say ‘yes,’ ” said Matt Leach, a Douglas County High School science teacher, in an interview before the school moved the ceremony. “Should this be required to access a public high school graduation? Most would say ‘no.’ ”

Leach said he’s heard from students and teachers who worry the requirements to enter the academy restrict access for undocumented students and their family members, as well as students’ families visiting from other countries or otherwise marginalized people like those who may have a criminal history and fear exclusion from a background check.

“It has caused so much strife and worry with a bunch of the students in our school,” Leach said. “As we’re approaching graduation, this is a time to be excited, uplifted and celebrate the accomplishments of our students — not worrying, ‘Will my uncle be able to be there for my graduation?’ ”

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