Graduation Etiquette

I know a lot of you have been celebrating high school and college graduations lately, which are typically festive occasions. What parent doesn’t want to proudly cheer on their child? What graduate doesn’t want to whoop and holler and throw up his or her cap in the air?

Unfortunately, that sort of behavior could cause serious repercussions for a graduate. According to Fox News, some graduates have had their diplomas withheld because their friends and family cheered too loudly or blasted airhorns as they walked across the stage. Officials say the loud whistles and boisterous celebrations show a lack of decorum and interrupt and overshadow the graduate who is next in line.

Now schools are escorting—and even arresting—unruly graduation attendees, as well as slapping graduates with community service penalties before they can receive their official diplomas.

Harsh? Perhaps, but officials say they’ve got to crack down if they want to discourage out-of-control behavior at future ceremonies. In other words, stick to some polite clapping—but save the airhorns and whistles for the graduation party.