Superintendent Files Restraining Order Following Chaotic Graduation Stage Incident
A school superintendent in Wisconsin has taken legal action by filing for a restraining order against a parent who physically pushed him off stage during a high school graduation ceremony. The shocking altercation occurred as the superintendent attempted to shake hands with graduates, leading to widespread condemnation and a police response.
Father Storms Stage to Prevent Handshake
The incident unfolded at the Baraboo High School graduation in Wisconsin on Friday, when a father abruptly rushed onto the stage. Footage from the ceremony shows the man, whose identity has not been disclosed to protect his daughter, grabbing Superintendent Rainey Briggs by the arm and dragging him away as his daughter approached to receive her diploma.
According to the video, the father yelled, "I don't want her touching him" and "You are not going to touch my daughter", using an expletive. Superintendent Briggs, who is Black and was hired in 2021, responded by saying, "You better get up off me, man" and "get your hands off me", as he tried to create space during the confrontation.
Legal and Police Response to the Altercation
In the aftermath, Superintendent Briggs sought a temporary restraining order, which was filed on Monday. Dane County Circuit Judge Nia Trammell has ordered the father to have no contact with Briggs pending a hearing scheduled for 14 June. The superintendent detailed in the order that the parent "put both of his hands on me to push me out of the way" and engaged in pushing and prying in front of an audience of two to three thousand people.
Three Baraboo police officers, including the school resource officer, intervened to de-escalate the situation. The father was subsequently escorted off the school property. The Baraboo School District has referred the case to the Sauk County District Attorney's Office for disorderly conduct, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable.
School District and Community Reaction
In a statement, Baraboo School District spokesperson Hailey Wagner reiterated that the safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and community members is a top priority. The Baraboo School Board added that they do not condone "engaging in threatening, intimidating, or physically harming behaviors against anyone in our School District community" and stressed that no employee should fear for their physical safety while performing job duties.
The incident has sparked significant outrage on social media, with many condemning the father's actions. Wisconsin Representative Francesca Hong expressed support for Superintendent Briggs, calling him an "excellent superintendent who cares deeply about the well-being of all students" and labeling the conduct as "gross & racist". She noted it was selfish to disrupt what should have been a celebratory day for the graduate.
Historical Context of Baraboo High School
This is not the first time Baraboo High School has garnered national attention. In 2018, a controversial photo emerged showing several current and former students performing a Nazi salute, with one boy forming an "OK" sign—a symbol associated with far-right movements. At the time, then-Superintendent Lori Mueller stated the image did not reflect the district's values and that appropriate actions, including legal measures, would be pursued.
The recent graduation incident underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining decorum and safety at school events, prompting calls for greater respect and accountability within educational settings.
