Protest stunts at graduation ceremonies tarnish solemn events

It does not take a four-year degree course to appreciate the significance of a university graduation ceremony. To the graduates, it symbolises achievement and recognition. To families and friends, it is a moment of pride and joy. With dignity and respect, they gather to celebrate the occasion.

Increasingly, the ceremony has become a forum for political manifestation. Last year, graduates of the Academy for Performing Arts greeted Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying with acts of contempt when he attended. The theatrics have spilled to other campuses amid growing political tension this year, with students carrying yellow umbrellas - a sign of support for the student-led Occupy protests - while receiving certificates on the stage.

While some university chiefs have responded with tolerance to such displays, Baptist University's president took a tougher approach. He refused to confer honours on students who performed such stunts, prompting some others to snub him in return. Some sessions were reportedly marred by disputes and clashes. Indeed, the ritual has become so politically charged lately that a prominent business figure even gave up the opportunity to receive an honorary degree in order to spare himself possible insults from the floor.

Elsewhere, protests during university functions are not uncommon. Whether they are appropriate is another matter. Protesters may think they have the right to make themselves seen and heard any time, anywhere. But for others the ceremony is the highlight of their academic life and it is no place for displays of contempt. Many participants have been looking forward to a solemn and joyful ceremony for years. Even if they share the same political aspirations, they do not necessarily see the connection with the event.

Expressing a political opinion is one thing. Doing so at the expense of others' rights is another. A graduation ceremony is meant to be solemn and dignified. Behaviour unbefitting of the occasion is regrettable.