University's Modern Rule: No Selfies at Graduation

Bryant University worried they'd slow down the ceremony

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 18, 2014 5:07 PM CDT

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University's Modern Rule: No Selfies at Graduation — File photo of a selfie in progress. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Sign of the times: Bryant University in Rhode Island has taken the unusual step of outlawing selfies during next month's graduation ceremony, reports WLNE-TV. Specifically, students are forbidden from whipping out their phones while accepting their diplomas from President Ronald Machtley, explains USA Today. A school official says it's not about being Luddites, it's about making sure the ceremony doesn't drag on and on while people are saying cheese. Plus, a professional photographer will be on hand to record the moment for posterity. (Click to read about a recent selfie that earned the scorn of the White House.)