Marshall Public Schools’ Board of Education president Bryon Jacques and vice president Matt Smith have put out a statement representing the position of the entire board regarding the high school’s graduation ceremony.

The statement reads:

“We are fast approaching the end of our 2021-2022 school year and in a few short days, we will celebrate our graduating seniors with Commencement on Sunday, May 22nd. With recent events in our district and our community and with the goal of safety and security for all those in attendance, the Marshall Board of Education has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for unnecessary behavior during this ceremony.”

The statement continues, “Graduating seniors and their guests have earned the ability to walk and watch this achievement. We ask that all in attendance be respectful to all those around them. We will prohibit outside noise devices such as air horns and cowbells. Several proactive steps have been taken to assure everyone’s safety. These are zero-tolerance requests and law enforcement and security on site will not issue warnings in any of these cases but move directly to prosecution. Situations that are impacting our community have taken an emotional toll on all involved and those not involved. We are committed to not only that situation but also committed to providing the safest environment we can; this policy is an attempt to do so. Please be mindful that juveniles are involved and that they are due their privacy as well. We have, and are, investigating this situation as required and cooperating with all legal entities involved.”

The statement concludes with, “Thank you for respecting others, and we hope to see everyone at Graduation to celebrate our seniors along with us and end the school year in as positive of a position as we can.”

An earlier release from Superintendent Dr. Carol Maher says the ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Entry into the stadium will be through the main gate on the east side of the field. The gate will open at 1 p.m.

Only graduates and school personnel will be allowed on the field.
· No air horns, signs, drums nor noisemakers of any kind will be permitted. Anyone displaying and using such an item will be asked to leave the ceremony.
· Backpacks and purses are prohibited. A small clutch purse and/or phone will be allowed, along with a single compartment medical bag. Spectators may bring a clear bag into the stadium, no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″.
· Strollers or wagons for the use of transporting babies or toddlers will be subject to search.
· Any person causing disruption to the ceremony (before, during or after) will be subject to removal and/or law enforcement.