DMB

Does this kind of rubbish happen when one graduates from a university in the USA?

Shake

Thanks for the clarification. Reading the o.p. I didn't see anything to be upset at either.Not that I recall from my own graduation. But then again, what I remember from it (back in '92) is walking across stage, that Tom Clancy was the guest speaker, and that my girlfriend (now wife) came up with my family. Beyond that, I couldn't tell you much about it. And I was sober!

Godless Dave

Depends on the university. My college had an optional baccalaureate ceremony on the morning of graduation day. I knew they were a Presbyterian school when I applied though so I didn't have any basis to complain. My father seemed to think we would all go to the bacc ceremony but I explained to him that I was not planning to attend because it A) was religious and B) took place at 10 in the morning.

Zora

GaryP,

I attended high school in the Bible Belt...central Florida. Seems to me many schools in the Belt routinely ignore legal rulings until forced to comply...usually by a parent who has called in the ACLU. Then, they go overboard, trying to make themselves "victims" (what a shock!) by dong stupid stuff like claiming they were "afraid" to allow religious valentines to be distributed by a third grader. (The 1964 ruling/1966 non-compliance doesn't surprise me at all!)

Here where I live now, a couple years ago, the school system had to be slapped down for marking a Jewish child absent (disqualifying her from a particular scholarship, I think) during her religious holidays. Their rationale??? Well....we give them all Christmas off! How, in the 21st century, could you possible think that is OK????

I agree the back-to-back ceremonies are designed to satisfy the letter of the law but to accomplish their purpose in promoting religious attendance. Its a total crock, and just one of many these sleazy people resort to. The entire theory is to force belief through social pressure, or at the least to silence non-belief.

And, I agree with those who stated they don't remember a thing about their graduations/baccalaurates. You will, however, remember you stood up for your non-belief (hanging around outside the door and waiting until services are over, however inconvenient.)