Doe v. Elmbrook: A Tale of Two Graduations

Which would you choose?

The Supreme Court has been asked to decide whether it is unconstitutional to hold high school graduations in a church auditorium. If the Supreme Court agrees to hear the school district’s appeal, it has the potential to become one of the most significant church–state cases in many years.

For years Brookfield East High held their graduation ceremony in their school gymnasium, which was hot, cramped, and uncomfortable–lacking air conditioning, adequate seating, adequate parking, or adequate handicapped facilities. At the students’ request, the school moved graduation to a nearby church auditorium.

Want to see the difference?

You can read our petition to the Supreme Court here, and see more photos of the spaces here. The Supreme Court is expected to announce on April 15 whether it will review the case.