Wisconsin school graduation rocked by 'racism' as man blocks daughter from greeting Black superintendent

BARABOO, WISCONSIN: A shocking incident at Baraboo High School’s graduation ceremony has left the community in disbelief as a Wisconsin father stormed the stage to prevent his daughter from shaking hands with the Black superintendent, amidst the backdrop of the school's previous Nazi salute controversy.

Matt Eddy, 49, stunned the crowd when he interrupted the ceremony by rushing towards his daughter as she was about to receive her diploma on Friday, May 31.

As she worked her way through a line of school officials, shaking their hands, Eddy abruptly grabbed Superintendent Rainey Briggs by the arm and shoved him aside.

"That's my daughter," Eddy is heard saying in footage of the incident, as his daughter looks visibly mortified. "I don't want her touching him."

In response, Superintendent Briggs said, "You better get up off me man. Get away from me bro."

Following the confrontation, police escorted Eddy out of the building and arrested him for disorderly conduct. The dramatic graduation incident occurs amidst broader tensions within the Baraboo community.

Superintendent Briggs, along with other school officials and the school board, has been under scrutiny, per Wisconsin News. A group of residents is actively seeking to recall school board president Kevin Vodak, who has faced accusations of favoritism and failing to provide adequate pay and support for teachers.

Baraboo High School’s past Nazi salute controversy

While the exact motivations behind Eddy’s actions remain unclear, Baraboo High School was previously in the headlines in 2018 after a controversial photo surfaced, appearing to show students giving a Nazi salute.

At the time, Peter Gust, who was involved, claimed the students were merely waving goodbye to their parents, and not making a political statement.

"I am very frustrated and find it reprehensible that people all over the world can snap to a judgment without knowing any facts and go ape — and it is coming from all over the world," he stated.

Further, the school district issued a statement emphasizing their focus on celebrating student achievements, stating, "Our primary focus remains on celebrating the achievements of our graduates. We want to ensure that the significance of this milestone and the hard work of our students are not overshadowed by this unfortunate event."

The district also noted their collaboration with law enforcement and reiterated their commitment to the safety and well-being of students, staff, and community members. The school board also released a statement condemning Eddy's actions.

"No employee of the School District of Baraboo should fear for their physical safety when fulfilling their job duties or at any other time," the board stated. "That this adult felt emboldened to behave in this way in front of hundreds of students and other adults should deeply trouble us all; this type of behavior will not be tolerated."

A disorderly conduct charge against Eddy has been referred to the Sauk County District Attorney’s Office. 

Netizens speculate graduation disruption

A user tweeted, "Sickening!!! I absolutely detest racism! Hate has no place."

Another added, "Maybe it wasn't about Color. Perhaps the two had a vendetta for some other reason. How do you know it's about race?"

A third said, "He diddled her and Pops knows!"

"The girls face is heartbreaking to see. She seems almost unsurprised by her dad’s actions. She walks away defeated but like she’s been instructed by her father to do so. IMO, this is why Karen’s call cops on Black Men for no reason. Roots of racism have not been torn out #change," read a tweet.

"Heart breaking. And shameful," penned a user.

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