UVA inaugurates graduation robe searches

A new policy for the University of Virginia's graduation ceremonies means everyone must open their gowns. Hawes Spencer explains the outrage.

UVA plans to search everyone. Even professors will be required to open their robes to enter the Lawn, and at least one is upset.

"It's going to create a tremendous hassle and headache for thousands of people who are hoping to celebrate one of the most important days of their lives. I also think it's fundamentally undignified."

That's Siva Vaidhyanathan, a media studies professor who plans to walk past any robe checkpoints.

"Since when is it a law that one has to open up one's clothing, out in the open, to enter a public space?"

University spokesman Anthony de Bruyn, refusing an interview, released a statement about safety. UVA knows commencement calamity. In 1997, a grandmother died when a Pavilion balcony collapsed; two years later, an infant died of dehydration. In Charlottesville, this is Hawes Spencer.

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IMAGE: UVA readies its historic Lawn for the 187th Final Exercises. (Hawes Spencer)