The problem is these “rituals” were holding up the line and not allowing others to process across the stage. It was not just graduates of color. On television they clearly showed white students who also thought they were more special than the other 950 graduates, being “assisted” across the stage. When our son graduated they made a request not to clap or make noise until the end. Of course, there were those who felt their student deserved more notice than the rest. I particularly appreciated the family who brought an entire percussion section ((okay only four pieces) and made such a show that we did not hear our son’s name called. This is a ceremony that is supposed to have some dignity attached to it. I do not think the school owes anyone an apology.
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