Bensalem High Graduation, Protest Both Set For Friday

BENSALEM, PA — Bensalem High School seniors will celebrate a socially distanced commencement ceremony at Parx Casino on Friday, while a protest associated with the Black Lives Matter movement happens nearby.

Bensalem Township Police said Thursday they are aware of the planned protest, which they said will be near the casino.

"People have the right to peacefully protest," police said in a news release. "Bensalem Township Police will be monitoring both events to ensure the safety of the protesters, students, families, faculty etc. Graduation will not be impacted."

At Parx, the 5 p.m. ceremony asks families to stay in their cars during an outdoor commencement. Commencement speaker will be shown on large screens outside the casino and audio will be available on an FM radio channel.

On Thursday, Class of 2020 Reflections will air at 7:30 p.m. It will be on the BTSD cable channel (Comcast, 28. Verizon-Fios, 32.) It also will be streamed live online and streaming on YouTube.

A "goodbye parade" for seniors is scheduled for Friday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Teachers and staff from Bensalem High will be spread around the school building and parking lots. Students will drive through and have a chance to wave and say goodbye. They are asked to not stop or get out of their vehicles.

Patch was not able to immediately find details of the planned protest Thursday morning. Will update this post with more details as they become available.