Five students denied diplomas over excessive cheering during commencement
Five graduating seniors in Galesburg, Illinois, have been denied diplomas and barred from the after-graduation party because their friends and family engaged in excessive cheering when the seniors’ names were called during commencement exercises. About a month before the graduation ceremony, Galesburg High School (GHS) students and their parents had to sign a contract promising to act in dignified way. The contract contained a warning that violators could be denied their diplomas and barred from the after-graduation party. Although several schools across the nation ask spectators to hold applause and cheers until the end of graduation, few have implemented a policy that some in Galesburg say are strong-arm tactics. "It was like one of the worst days of my life," says Caisha Gayles, one of the seniors denied a diploma. "You walk across the stage and then you can't get your diploma because of other people cheering for you. It was devastating, actually."
According to Joel Estes, Galesburg's assistant superintendent, many "parents complained that they could not hear their own child's name called." He adds, "And I think that led us to saying we have to do something about this to restore some dignity and honor to the ceremony so that everyone can appreciate it and enjoy it."
In Indianapolis, Indiana, public school officials instituted a policy this year of kicking out parents and relatives who cheer. "It's an important, solemn occasion. There's plenty of time for celebration before and after," says Clarke Campbell, president of the Indianapolis school board. GHS Principal Tom Chiles points out administrators who monitored the more than 2,000-seat auditorium reported only disruptions they considered "significant," and all turned in the same five names. "Race had absolutely nothing to do with it whatsoever, he insists. "It is the amount of disruption at the time of the incident." School officials promise to hear students and parents out if they appeal. Meanwhile, the school says the five students can still get their diplomas by completing eight hours of public service work, answering phones, sorting books or doing other chores for the district. Caisha’s mother vows to continue to fight for the diploma even if that involves going to court. American Civil Liberties Union spokesman Edward Yohnka said Galesburg's policy raises no red flags as long as it is enforced equitably. "It's probably well within the school's ability to control the decorum at an event like this,"
CNN.com
By Associated Press
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