A South Carolina high school is threatening to fine families that cheer loudly during its graduation ceremony.
During an assembly, a Greenville High School administrator told students their families could get fined $1,030 if they yell during the upcoming commencement ceremony, The Greenville News reports.
"Since graduation is a dignified and solemn occasion, graduating seniors and their guests should behave appropriately,” read the slide. “Please ask your guests not to call out, cheer, whistle or applaud during the reading of names and presentation of diplomas. The citation for family members yelling out is $1,030."
However, it is unclear if the policy can be enforced.
Greenville County Schools spokeswoman Beth Brotherton said enforcing this type of rule is outside their jurisdiction.
"It is not the district's nor Greenville High School’s policy to cite parents," Brotherton said. “This (Greenville High) slide was created to inform students that because graduation is a 'publicly sanctioned event' and is held at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, it is under the jurisdiction of the Greenville Police Department.”
A spokesman for the Greenville Police Department said they do not intend to enforce the policy and would only intervene if arena officials could not solve the problem.
“Screaming somebody's name or congratulating them, that's not a police matter," Sgt. Johnathan Bragg said. "We would only get involved when it's actually a criminal matter. As far as charging someone for yelling, we have not done that."
Despite confusion over the fine, Brotherton said she wants students and families to make sure they don’t ruin the ceremony for anyone else.
"It is safe to say that all seniors are given a set of expectations for behavior at graduation for both themselves and their guests," Brotherton said. "We want the name of every graduate to be heard. If there is cheering and disruption, it can ruin the moment for the next student in line who has also worked hard to achieve the recognition and deserves to have their moment.”
If this school has a significant number of black students, this will be an uphill battle.
