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A high school senior briefly interrupted Saturday’s high school graduation ceremony, stating, “This is America, should鈥檝e started with English.”

The student’s criticism was聽directed at the Pasco High School principal, Veronica Machado, after she聽 the ceremony with brief remarks in Spanish. It lasted roughly 90 seconds.

Afterwards, when students were called to the stage to accept their diplomas, the student registered his complaint over the Spanish language introduction. The video was first from the YouTube graduation posting before it was ultimately removed completely.

Criticism of the outburst was instant

After the outburst, some students and parents criticized the student. A video was shared on TikTok and Instagram, with some users calling the comments “disgusting.” The district, with a statement to The Seattle Times, also condemned the statement.

鈥淲e are disappointed and saddened that a Pasco High School student chose to disrupt the graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 7, 2025, by making a personal statement that does not reflect the values of our school district,鈥� Pasco School District said.

Amanda Brown, a school board director for the district, also condemned the statement on .

“While every student is entitled to their voice and lived experience, I do not condone the manner or message in which this moment unfolded. I believe it is important to reaffirm that Pasco is a diverse and inclusive community, and our schools should reflect and celebrate that diversity,” she wrote. “Language is a powerful expression of identity, and the use of Spanish during the ceremony was a meaningful way to honor our bilingual students, families, and staff.”

The district said it will hold a series of “listening sessions” to hear from students and faculty claiming to be impacted by the statement. But the student was right, even if the outburst was inappropriate.

The graduation ceremony should have been in English

The principal was well-intentioned, and 90 seconds is hardly more than mildly inconvenient if you don’t speak the language.

But graduation ceremonies should celebrate achievements that transcend cultural differences. And if you’re going to include a Spanish language message as a warm gesture, it shouldn’t come at the start of the program.

English is the linguistic glue binding our uniquely diverse society. Advocating English-first at public ceremonies isn’t xenophobic; it’s practical. It ensures everyone feels equally included in a shared experience, regardless of background. And if you’re graduating from high school, the expectation is that you speak English. However, there is no expectation that you speak Spanish. It’s unfair to non-Spanish speakers to miss out on what is supposed to be a memorable life event.

Critics swiftly jumped on social media, labeling the student’s words as “disgusting.” But the outrage misses the point. While inclusivity can be commendable, it should never overshadow shared identity. Speaking English at public events isn’t exclusionary鈥攊t’s inclusive precisely because it provides a universal platform for participation.

No one was harmed during the outburst

The Pasco School District鈥檚 decision to scrub the incident from its YouTube page and hold “listening sessions” is an almost parody-level decision. Listening sessions for what purpose? No one was harmed, including the student who interrupted the ceremony.

Diversity can strengthen our communities, but shared language ensures their unity. The student’s approach was undoubtedly flawed, but his fundamental message wasn’t wrong.

Listen to The Jason Rantz Show on weekday afternoons from 3 p.m. 鈥� 7 p.m. on KTTH 770 AM (HD Radio 97.3 FM HD-Channel 3). Subscribe to the聽podcast here. Follow Jason Rantz on聽,听,听, and聽.