In an incident that shocked both the school community and viewers online, a father disrupted his daughter's high school graduation in Wisconsin by physically intervening to prevent her from shaking hands with the school's Black superintendent. What could drive a parent to such extreme actions on a day meant for celebration?
Graduation is often seen as a milestone, a joyous occasion where families come together to celebrate the achievements of their children. At Baraboo High School, the graduation ceremony on May 31 was no different. Students, dressed in their caps and gowns, walked across the stage to the applause of their proud families. However, this otherwise festive day took a dramatic turn when Matthew Eddy, a white father, jumped onto the stage as his daughter approached Dr. Rainey Briggs, the Black superintendent of the school district.
As the young graduate moved forward to receive her diploma and shake hands with the officials on stage, including Dr. Briggs, her father rushed towards the superintendent. In a move that left everyone stunned, Eddy grabbed Dr. Briggs and forcibly pulled him away from his daughter. "You are not going to touch my [expletive] daughter," he reportedly shouted, according to multiple witnesses and video footage that has since gone viral on social media.
The video quickly spread across social media platforms, garnering millions of views and sparking a heated debate. "How could a father disrupt such an important moment for his child and everyone else?" one user commented, echoing the disbelief shared by many. Another viewer noted, "This isn't just about a handshake; this is about respect and basic decency."
Dr. Briggs, who has served as superintendent since 2021, responded with composure amid the chaos, later telling police that Eddy had physically confronted him to prevent a seemingly innocuous handshake.
“He put both of his hands on me to push me out of the way,” Briggs told the police. The incident ended with the father being escorted out by off-duty police officers present at the event.
While the father's exact motivations remain unclear, he later told the police that he had "past issues" with Dr. Briggs and wanted to deny him "the satisfaction" of shaking his daughter's hand.
This statement has led to much speculation. Was this a personal vendetta? A manifestation of deeper racial biases? Some community members believe the act was racially motivated, pointing to Baraboo High School's troubling past, including a 2018 incident where students were photographed performing a Nazi salute.
The Baraboo community, along with social media users, remains deeply divided over the incident. While some people empathize with the father’s apparent protectiveness, many others see his actions as a blatant display of disrespect and intolerance.
“It's a handshake, not an affront to his daughter’s dignity,” said one parent from the school, expressing frustration over how the event has cast a shadow over what should have been a proud day for all students.
The aftermath of the event saw swift action from school officials and local law enforcement. The Baraboo School District condemned the father's behavior in a public statement, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable and that the safety and dignity of all students and staff are paramount.
Eddy now faces a disorderly conduct charge, and a restraining order has been filed by Dr. Briggs, signaling the legal consequences that may follow this disruptive act.
This incident has left many asking, “What does this mean for us as a community?” With tensions running high and discussions about race and respect at the forefront, this event has become more than just a viral moment—it’s a call to reflect on how we interact with each other in public spaces and what behaviors we consider acceptable.
Interestingly, this is not the first time the Baraboo community has faced scrutiny over racial issues. In addition to the 2018 Nazi salute incident, the district was previously involved in a civil rights lawsuit regarding racial harassment, which led to a substantial settlement. These historical contexts provide a broader perspective on why this recent event has struck such a nerve, both locally and nationally.
As this story continues to unfold, we want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on the father's actions and the community's response? Do you believe this was a racially motivated act, or something else entirely? Share your opinions and join the conversation below.
The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.
Next page
