Is It Ethical for Schools to Limit Tickets for Graduation Ceremonies?
When school administrations put a limit on tickets for graduation ceremonies, many families question the fairness and ethics behind such a decision. However, these measures are often necessary to ensure that every student can enjoy a meaningful experience despite the venue's seating constraints.
Understanding the Need for Limited Tickets
The rationale behind limiting tickets for graduation ceremonies is clear: most venues have limited seating. For example, a high school that graduates around 1,800 students annually would use a venue with 9,500 seats. If each student were given the right to request up to 10 tickets, it would quickly overwhelm the venue. Therefore, schools must restrict the number of tickets per graduate to manage the number of attendees.
This restriction is not necessarily about being cold or exclusionary. It's about ensuring fairness for all students. Imagine if one graduate brought 35 relatives while others couldn't bring even a single family member. The latter would miss out on a significant milestone in their lives. By limiting the number of tickets, schools ensure that all graduating students and their families can attend, maintaining an equitable experience for everyone.
Case Study: My Nearest High School
My nearest high school handles around 1,800 graduates each year. The venue they usually use has a capacity of 9,500 seats. Formerly, students were allowed to request up to 10 tickets, which seemed nonsensical. However, it's important to remember that not every family member is likely to attend. For most, it will be the immediate family members, such as parents and perhaps a few grandparents or siblings.
For example, if a student receives 10 tickets, they can bring 10 people. But statistically, not all of those people will attend. If every student obtained 10 tickets, the number of attendees would far exceed the seating capacity. Thus, limiting the number of tickets to a reasonable amount helps to alleviate this issue and ensures that all students can have a chance to share the event with at least their immediate family.
Generally Accepted Norms
Across many schools, the standard practice is to limit tickets per graduate to between 3 and 5. This limit strikes a balance between ensuring family members are present but not overcrowding the venue or impacting other students. Typically, students are encouraged to bring immediate family members first and save extended family invitations for a separate gathering afterward.
If a student comes from a large family where multiple relatives would like to attend, they should still limit the number of tickets to immediate family members. For instance, a great-grandparent or a parent's sibling might count as immediate family, but not more distant relatives. It's a matter of courtesy and fairness.
Personal Perspective
From a personal standpoint, I fully support this approach. If I were invited to any of my grandson's future graduations, it would be because I am acting in the role of his parent, not just an extended family member. I would completely understand and respect a school's restriction on tickets, especially if the event capacity is tight.
Furthermore, if I were not fulfilling the role of a parent in my grandson's life, I would not expect an invitation. Similarly, I do not expect to be invited to my other grandchildren's graduations because I am not as closely involved in their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, limiting tickets for graduation ceremonies is not wrong. It is a practical and ethical decision that ensures all students can attend, share, and celebrate their achievements. By implementing reasonable ticket limits, schools can create an inclusive and fair environment for all students and their families.