Five Students Denied Diplomas at Galesburg, Ill., Graduation Because of Cheering at Ceremony

Graduations are a time of celebration. But this was not the case for five students graduated from Galesburg High in Illinois, but did not receive diplomas.

Why did they not get their diplomas? Supporters cheered as they walked across the stage, a violation of a policy parents signed on May 27 promising to behave in a civil matter. Violations could mean students would not receive their diplomas.

Everyone was asked to hold their applause until after the ceremony was over which is common practice in schools across the country. Not all schools enforce the policy.

According to the New York Times, Caisha Gayles, one of the students who did not get a diploma, commented: "It was one of the worst days of my life. You walk across the stage and then you can't get your diploma because of other people cheering for you. It was devastating ,actually." Gayles graduated with a 3.4 grade average.

The students can receive the diplomas after completing eight hours of community service by answering phones or sorting books. Indianapolis schools also recently enforced a policy allowing relatives to be thrown out of ceremonies. The president of the Indianapolis School Board said on CBS news that "it is an important and solemn occasion. There's plenty of time for celebration after."

Gayles' mother plans to fight for her daughter's diploma even if it means going to court. School officials are prepared to hear appeals by students and parents.

Some think those denied were targeted because of race. Four of the students denied were black and one was Hispanic. Cheers rang out for white students but they were not denied diplomas.

Principal Tom Chiles denies the incidents had anything to do with race. Decisions were made according to the amount of disruption. Other students who were minorities got their diplomas. "It doesn't matter how hard you work, you get discriminated against," Gailes said, according to ABCnews.com. The American Civil Liberties Union reported it did not raise any concern with them and it is within the school's ability to control these situations.