Graduation: Triumph or Travesty?

So, if a graduating student’s friend or relative goes crazy at commencement, does that mean the student in question will not graduate?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought in order to graduate, one had to satisfy the school’s academic requirements. After all, the graduation ceremony is practically a formality. And if a punishment is due, then it should not outweigh the crime.
I also feel that students should not be punished for the actions of their friends and relatives (on the grounds of individual responsibility) nor do I feel they should be forced to sign a document stating that unruly behavior at graduation (regardless of who is responsible) will result in their diplomas being withheld.
All of these incidents demonstrate how authoritarian school district officials (and school board members) can be — treating the district like their own little domain.
Image: courtesy of http://blogs.courant.com/photo/2011/12/calm-in-chaos.html