In a recent development, Matthew Eddy, the Baraboo High School parent charged with disorderly conduct for interrupting the graduation ceremony, has falsely claimed that Baraboo School District Superintendent Dr. Rainey Briggs initiated the physical contact during the disturbance. Eddy's claim contradicts the video evidence captured immediately after the incident.

The viral video, which gained nationwide attention, showed Eddy forcefully placing his hands on Briggs to prevent him from shaking hands with Eddy's daughter. The incident raised questions about whether Eddy's actions were racially motivated, as Eddy and his daughter are white, while Briggs is Black. However, Eddy did not mention Briggs' race in the video, which was obtained through Wisconsin's Open Records Law.

During a conversation with Baraboo Police Officer Brandon Meyer, Eddy justified his actions by stating, "I did not want him to be able to shake her (expletive) hand because he does not deserve it from her." Eddy, however, did not offer any specific allegations against Briggs regarding his daughter. Instead, Eddy expressed his frustration with a previous meeting with district officials where he believed his daughter had been treated unfairly. The meeting involved the potential expulsion of his daughter, although Eddy did not elaborate on the incident that led to the meeting.

While a district administrator and Officer Meyer acknowledged Eddy's grievances, they emphasized that there were better ways to address them rather than disrupting the graduation ceremony. Meyer specifically mentioned that Eddy should have anticipated the consequences of his actions.

On June 6, Sauk County prosecutors charged Eddy with a single count of disorderly conduct. Officer Meyer's police report suggested that Eddy may have pre-planned the on-stage stunt based on his explanation of events. However, no immediate comments were obtained from Eddy's attorney listed in court records.

Subsequently, Briggs has filed a restraining order against Eddy, citing his aggressive behavior during the graduation ceremony. In a statement, Briggs outlined how Eddy approached the stage quickly, forcefully pushing and prying at him while expressing his refusal to let Briggs touch his daughter. The incident unfolded in front of an audience of 2-3 thousand people.

The video also captured a brief exchange between Officer Meyer and Eddy where Meyer expressed the hope for Eddy's remorse. Eddy admitted feeling a sense of embarrassment, particularly for his daughter's sake, after the incident.

As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains divided over the motivations behind Eddy's actions and the consequences he may face for his disorderly conduct during the graduation ceremony.