GREENVILLE, S.C.— An administrator at a South Carolina high school recently told students and family members that cheering during the graduation ceremony could cost big bucks, the Greenville News reports.
The administrator said cheering during Greenville High School graduation at Bon Secours Wellness Arena would result in a $1,030 fine.
A slide shown at an assembly stated, “Since graduation is a dignified and solemn occasion, graduating seniors and their guests should behave appropriately. 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.”
District officials, however, said they will not cite family members for cheering.
The district said because the graduation is a “publicly sanctioned event,” it is under the jurisdiction of the Greenville Police Department, hence the warning on the slideshow.
But Greenville police Sgt. Johnathan Bragg told the Greenville News police will not ticket family members for cheering, whistling or applauding during the reading of names.
Police could get involved if someone in the audience is continually disruptive and refuses to leave after being asked by arena staff.
“If someone starts yelling obscenities, that’s a different story,” Bragg said. “That would get into the ‘disorderly’ realm.”