I tend to agree...some people really get disturbed by any show of recognition, but I don't have a problem with short, controlled reactions. It is supposed to be for the families, as I keep hearing administrators say...I say let the families have their moments, as long as it isn't to the degree that it keeps other families from hearing their graduate's name called. Reactions that are truly disruptive can be dealt with as such on an individual basis.
I think one of the main reasons for "zero tolerance" and "across-the-board" policies is administration that doesn't want to have to take responsibility for any kind of judgement call; when people don't have the confidence or will to defend their judgement on whose behavior is being disruptive and whose is acceptable, the cheap way out is just to say "nothing goes" and toss everyone.
