What do you think about the students in GALESBURG, Ill. losing their diplomas because of cheering?

Question

they lost their diplomas due to others cheering for them when they graduated. Here is where the story is so you will know what I am talking about: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070601/ap_on_re_us/graduation_decorum

Answer 1

As a former public school teacher for many years, I have been in attendance where there were hoots and hollers from the audience on many occasions, and it was over in an instant. Like it was mentioned, the policy of waiting until everyone had crossed the stage and received his or her diploma was loosely enforced because it is quite difficult to eliminate instinctive celebration anyway, but everyone had their minute of fame, there were few disruptions, and the proceedings happily got over in a hurry.

As a spectator who hates ceremonies in the first place, however, I found the addition of a little life to these otherwise dry, stuffy events to be quite frankly a welcome relief. I suppose if people were being disrespectful by not quieting down when the next name was announced, it would be another story, but I never saw that take place. I say "Let the good times roll!" Some of these kids have busted their proverbial butts to get that little piece of skin or parchment, so a celebration doesn't really hurt anyone unless it gets out of hand.

The solution if it does? Though I have somewhat of a problem with the withholding of diplomas, I completely understand the thought process due to lack of a suitable alternative. The diploma is, after all, the absolutely final thing with which an institution can coerce the roudy mass of graduates and their families into maintaining some decorum. As long as the consequences are evenly meted out (just like the ACLU noted), it is the institution's right to determine the punishment.

I sincerely think that the threat of a diploma being withheld from the offending party's graduate for...say....three months to a year might be a solution. If it is known that little Jimmy struggled for twelve years to get the first diploma his family has earned since Grandpa Claude in the 30's, that family might mute their joy until after the proceedings so he can enjoy that crowning moment.

I can honestly think of no other viable alternative except removal from the proceedings which might be a real downer for people who may have traveled half the continent to be in attendance. That would be my second choice because fines are unfair to people who have little or no money (like the teachers in the audience), and I am quite certain that if RECORDS were withheld, there would be more than a little name calling, quite a legal stink similar to Watergate itself, and possible bloodshed that would be nearly as bad as a typical night on the streets of Washington, DC.

Parchment, let us realize, is merely a memento when it all comes down to it. Therefore, if the ceremonies are going to continue, there must be some control, and either the removal of the offenders from the audience or the withholding of the diploma for a specified amount of time seems to provide just that.

Answer 2

They didn't lose their diplomas, their diplomas are delayed and in some cases must be earned back.

They were warned beforehand.

You've got to realize that there are segments of the population who are so without any class that they hoop and holler and literally RUIN ceremonies. I too would be furious if a group of out of control idiots were all screaming and clambering and I could not even hear the name of my own child being announced because of their rudeness. And don't forget that the school had administrators all around the area who later cross-referenced their notes and ONLY families confirmed to be disruptive by all 4 administrators were cited.

My mother was a principal in a lower-income area for 25 years and attended student theatrical productions and concerts. Some of the parents would literally stand up in the middle of a play and start yelling "Yeah Latisha (or whatever name). Youzze the best girl!!" And every time somebody's child would walk on stage the next family would do it, and this would continue throughout the entire production, ruining it. I'm not talking about 1 or 2 times, I am serious when I say the ENTIRE production.

All I have to say is that if people can't behave in a civil manner then they need to be removed. It is not fair to everybody else.

A few more years of this and people will begin to get the message. If they don't know how to behave properly then word will get around and they will LEARN how to behave.

Answer 3

The administration in charge of the school in Galesburg, il should be kicked out. The no noise rule exists at every school in America, but only enforced at this high school. Graduation is a big event, but Galesburg seems to have forgotten that the event is the advancement of the student, not the ceremonies.

Also, why should the students have to do 5 hours of community service to get their diploma when they didn't have any control of the noise? I would question if the administration at Galesburg ever received their diplomas, as they don't seem very well educated to me.

Answer 4

Only 5 students were denied their diplomas because of their family's and friends' behavior; that means others must have behaved tolerably well.
The students are high school graduates regardless; they haven't lost their grades or credentials.
They can appeal the situation, or do a little community service to get their diplomas, also.
This policy was instituted to rectify a serious problem they had at previous graduations. It looks to me as if it's working.
I think the students should get on with college or job-seeking; this isn't something they need to dwell on. They haven't lost anything substantial, and they are better off than students of previous years whose graduation ceremonies were totally disrupted by revelry.
It is hoped that people are learning how to behave at a graduation.

Answer 5

Just another example of the stupidity put forth by the educators in the school system. If the parents don't take legal action then insane things like this will continue. With the high drop out rate in High School I would think any school would be so proud of students that graduated break dancing by the students would be okay. You don't punish hard workers.The teachers today are really doing a terrible job.I guarantee those kids will get their diplomas and a apology too.

Answer 6

I think that is one hell of a stupid reason to take away a graduates diploma! What are they gonna come up with next? Fail a student completely because next time a parent cheers for them at a football game or something? Jeez!

Answer 7

They signed a contract prior to the graduation, that they would act in a civil manner, and hold all cheers and applause until after the ceremony. Graduation ceremonies are not meant to be a circus, they are a serious and quiet matter.

Answer 8

The biggest thing that bothers me is that the graduate was made to pay the consequences of other people ... ummmm ... doesn't seem right when those graduates do not have any control over how other people behave.

Just kick em out but don't discipline the graduate for the actions of others.

Answer 9

That is the most rediculous thing I've heard of. Everyone was cheered for at my graduation. It's an awesome thing to graduate and alot of kids don't do it these days. Cheering should be urged not stifled.

Answer 10

Unless you have attended one of these Graduations you can't imagine what it's like. I attended one last year where some of the parents acted pure stupid. Yes it's great when your child graduates but you can act like you got sense. All the whooping, hollering, and screaming is not necessary, they don't have to act like wild animals it only makes them look ignorant.