Arrest Warrants Issued For Mississippi Families Who Cheered Too Loudly At Graduation [Video]
A few families that cheered too loudly at a recent Senatobia and Mississippi high school graduation could be facing criminal charges. The bizarre situation, which was first reported by WREG, has some wondering if school administrators went too far to teach disruptive individuals a lesson.
Senatobia High School administrators apparently asked that families limit their support of graduating seniors to the end of the ceremony. However, not all families followed the rules. For instance, Henry Walker was so proud of his 18-year-old daughter Lanarcia that he shouted, “You did it, baby!” and waved a towel in celebration. He was promptly asked to leave the ceremony.
At least three others were also asked to leave after failing to follow the rules. While this would have been a reasonable enough response to breaking the rules, Superintendent Jay Foster decided to press “disturbing the peace charges a couple of weeks later. According to CNN he doesn’t think his response is overboard, as he asked families repeatedly to hold their applause until the ceremony was over.
“The goal was to allow all graduates to have the privilege of hearing their name called.”
Because multiple people broke the rule, one after the other, Foster said he turned to the police to learn what more he could do to set a firm example for the future. It was then suggested that he file charges. And so, those families that failed to hold their applause now find themselves on the receiving end of arrest warrants.
Walker told WREG that he considers the warrant and accompanying $500 bond “crazy”.
“The fact that I might have to bond out of jail, pay court costs, or a $500 fine for expressing my love, it’s ridiculous man. It’s ridiculous.”
Ursula Miller, who was also served an arrest warrant, echoed his sentiments. “I can understand they can escort me out of the graduation,” she said, “But to say they going to put me in jail for it. What else are they allowed to do?”
Did you know that you could have an arrest warrant issued for cheering at a graduation? Be careful! http://t.co/18SE7xkXP2
— Krazilia Love (@KraziliaLove) June 3, 2015
Some consider the criminalization of the behavior to be blatant racism. For instance, Daily KOS is asking that members contact Foster directly in protest of his allegedly bigoted behavior. Others simply consider it an overreaction and waste of taxpayer’s resources. At the very least, it turns what should be a joyous occasion into a debate over how much happiness is too much happiness.
Do you think a Mississippi family issued an arrest warrant for loud cheering was excessive? What would be a better alternative to keep it from happening? Share your thoughts below!
[Image Credit: Texas A&M University]
