The chaos should have happened after everyone got home from the graduation ceremony, not at the actual high school. But that unwritten rule didn't stop some graduates, parents, and police officers from getting into a brawl at Kerman High School last Thursday.
Videos by Wide Open Country
What Happened at the High School Graduation?
As reported by the New York Post, it all started with an argument between a senior, who was on probation, and another boy in the school's parking lot. The senior was detained, but then other people got involved.
"It should have stopped there, but at some point, they had family members, emotions are high, decided to insert themselves into that situation," said Kerman police Lt. Wil Barcoma.
Video captured the bedlam. A woman identified as the senior's mom was pushed to the ground and rolled around before others came to help. Then a teenage girl struck an officer and, according to Barcoma, attempted to resist arrest.
When all was said and done, four people went to jail. The senior and the boy he argued with were charged with challenging to fight. The senior was also charged with violating court orders and obstructing. His mother was charged with resisting arrest.
It's Not How Students Want To Remember Their Graduation
One senior told reporters that the incident wasn't how they wanted to remember one of the most important days of their lives.
He added, "If you have like a, sorta beef, just handle it elsewhere. Maybe not at a graduation."
Sadly, this isn't the only brawl to break out during a graduation ceremony. Last month, over 50 police officers responded to Virginia Commonwealth University's Siegel Center. A spectator came to the stage and attacked a John Marshall High School student receiving a diploma.
A video showed family members and students with graduation caps alike throwing punches. After everyone was detained, the ceremony continued.
