Michelle Obama's Graduation Speech Moved Following Criticism - East Idaho News
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Michelle Obama’s Graduation Speech Moved Following Criticism

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042414 MichelleObamaTable?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1398377239263Samantha Appleton / The White House(WASHINGTON) — First lady Michelle Obama will deliver a commencement speech for Kansas high school seniors a day earlier than originally planned.

The first lady was initially scheduled to speak at the combined graduation ceremony for four area high schools on May 17, the 60th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. Now, Obama will speak to students the day before at a “Senior Recognition Day,” according to the White House.

The change follow backlash from families who felt Obama’s presence would take attention away from the graduating students and seating would be limited. In response, the Topeka public school district pledged “at least six tickets” for graduates.

One student launched a petition on change.org, asking the district to reconsider the plans and adhere to “normal” graduation ceremonies, even suggesting that the first lady’s speech be recorded.

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