MOSCOW, April 22 (RIA Novosti) – Students at the Topeka High School in Kansas have gathered 2,430 signatures in an online petition to protest against US first lady Michelle Obama speaking at their graduation ceremony, according to the Independent newspaper.
“People think it's a great opportunity, but it's the graduates' time. They are getting that diploma that they worked so hard for. Families are feeling that they are being cheated out of their loved ones’ special day,” said Taylor Gifford, an 18-year-old student who set up the online petition at the change.org website last Thursday.
She added that students and parents are concerned that the focus would be shifted from the graduates' accomplishments to Mrs. Obama. In addition, the school administration has announced the first lady’s visit would necessitate fewer seats being made available for students' families.
The Topeka High School seniors who have signed the petition also fear the graduation ceremony would be politicized.
Michelle Obama’s speech was planned to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the US Supreme Court banning racial segregation in American schools.
