First Lady Michelle Obama is set to speak at a mass graduation ceremony in Kansas for the Topeka Unified School District, where she will address graduates, guests, the press, and the public in a speech about the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in landmark desegregation case Brown v. Board of Education.
At least, that was the plan. Unfortunately for the First Lady, the parents and students aren’t so thrilled with the idea. Some of them have started a petition to prevent the appearance by FLOTUS, citing among other concerns, the fact that her speech would overshadow the kids’ big day.
Parents are concerned that the First Lady’s visit would overshadow the fact that their children are graduating from high school, and the individual schools are upset with the fact that their unique graduation traditions will be set aside for the combined ceremony.
The petition was started by senior Taylor Gifford, who pointed out that this is the first time her school’s graduation ceremony will have a ticket limit, meaning many kids won’t be able to bring their proud families along to see their big moment.
“This is one of the biggest days of their lives. They’ve taken the glory and shine from the children and put on Mrs. Obama. She doesn’t know our kids.” – Tina Hernandez, parent of Topeka High School senior Dauby Knight.
In addition to seating limitations, there will be the usual logistical problems associated with a member of the First Family, such as the obvious increased security, traffic jams, and of course, local and state politicians and officials looking to get their faces on screen with Mrs. Obama.
From the Daily Mail:
Harbaugh said officials asked the president or first lady to speak at graduation as a tie-in with the anniversary of the Brown decision, which outlawed school segregation. The district plans to place a priority on seating students and their families, and could broadcast the event to an overflow room at a hotel adjacent to the graduation arena for those unable to find a seat inside.
Parents, officials, and students, including those who started and promoted the petition to prevent the First Lady’s appearance, agree that her attendance would be a great honor. But it’s not about that for them.
“People think it’s a great opportunity, but it’s the graduates’ time. They are getting that diploma that they worked so hard for. Families are feeling that they are being cheated out of the loved ones special day,” says Gifford. A perfectly understandable sentiment.