Meetings with Decorum

"The Week" reports that the Indianapolis Public School system is warning parents not to cheer when their child's name is read out at this year's high school graduation ceremonies. A letter from superintendent Eugene White reminds families that attending a graduation ceremony is a privilege, not a right, and warns that up to 30 police officers will be present at each ceremony to ensure good order. Graduation "is a joyous time, a proud time, and a formal time," writes White. "It is not a party. It is not a pep rally."

Amen. I've personally witnessed graduation ceremonies that have turned into pseudo-popularity contests with raucous cheering for some students.