Beaumont students and parents protest for graduation ceremony

Monday morning dozens of students and parents gathered outside the Beaumont Unified School District protesting for a graduation ceremony for seniors. Protestors chanted with signs in hand as they called for more than just a drive-up ceremony.

"It’s really frustrating because as a senior we just want to walk. I don’t even care to shake their hands, we just want to walk," said one Beaumont High School senior.

Many believe a drive-up ceremony, where diplomas are handed to students, is not enough. They want a stage to walk on and the chance to take pictures.

"We’ve been asking to walk because we feel like you can’t really graduate without that milestone in your life," said another Beaumont High School senior.

Those that gathered on Monday touted a similar theme of deserving more than what the district has offered thus far.

"I think they should probably put in more effort to us for working so hard these last 12 years in school," senior, Alexis Mondello said.

"It doesn’t make sense for our school to not celebrate all the hard work that we’ve done," senior, Angela Vanderbend said.

Both students and parents stood outside where they protested for hours.

In the latest message to students and parents, Beaumont Unified School District said that the class of 2020 would get a vehicle procession. The letter also stated that a graduation ceremony would be held in the fall, if allowed by health and state officials.

The district weighed input from parents and seniors. It said the majority wanted a ceremony at a later date if it meant celebrating with family and friends.

"But with COVID-19 the chances of that happening are very slim to none so it feels like we’re getting promised nothing," said one Beaumont High School senior.

"Especially for students who plan on enlisting like myself, we shouldn’t be thrown off and not able to attend our own graduation when we’re going to serve our country-- our students who are moving out of state because they did so amazing the last 12 years they got a scholarship," said Vanderbend.

One parent who protested on Monday showed her support for her first born who will be graduating this year.

"We're asking for a reasonable graduation now, not later," said parent, Shawnelle West. "I want to experience them with her even if it’s a drive-up, get her diploma and wear her cap and gown proud because she’s worked so hard to get here."

The district is holding meetings to see how to move forward. They said it is a fluid situation and that they are following state and county guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone involved.