Published 14 June 2024 at 06.43
Domestic. Almost all students in grades 7 and 8 at Kyrkholm School in Arjeplog boycotted the graduation – because it was not held in church. This is reported by SVT Nyheter Norrbotten.
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Of the approximately 45 students in these classes, only 10 participated in the end of school on Thursday.
In this way, the students showed their dissatisfaction with the decision that the graduation should be held in the classrooms instead of in the church.
Principal Helene Lindberg has justified her decision by saying that the church can feel “scary” for students.
p>Despite the students' dissatisfaction and protests, the school management stuck to the decision, which resulted in the classrooms being empty.
– I have chosen to boycott because I think the principal has made the wrong decision, says Lova in year 7 to SVT.
Sally in grade 7 says:
– I think it's sick that you shouldn't be able to go to your own school graduation because the principal doesn't listen to what the students want.
The students emphasize that the end of school in the church is a long tradition that is important to them.
SVT's reporter asks what the students will do if the decision remains firm next year as well.
– Then do we the same thing. We're going on strike again, says a boy.
Education manager Fredrik Westerlund was nevertheless satisfied with the day.
– I think we've had a good day together, he tells SVT.
p>
This is the third year in a row that only the ninth graders are allowed to have their graduation in the church. The change was introduced in June 2022, but the principal was forced to grant an exemption for the ninth graders after angry protests from the students.
The striking students are now being praised on social media.
< p lang="sv" dir="ltr">Students in Arjeplog chose to strike from the end of the summer after the principal forbade them to celebrate in church according to tradition.
The principal justifies the decision by saying that “the church can feel scary”.
All credit to the students who show their displeasure. pic.twitter.com/ToOd1CoF9j
— Herr Husis (@HerrHusis) June 13, 2024