A Massachusetts principal is facing sharp criticism after he canceled an honor roll ceremony to spare the feelings of students with bad grades.

Ipswich Middle School Principal David Fabrizio notified parents last week of his plan to end the school’s Honors Night, according to My Fox Boston.

“The Honors Night, which can be a great sense of pride for the recipients’ families, can also be devastating to a child who has worked extremely hard in a difficult class but who, despite growth, has not been able to maintain a high grade point average,” the principal wrote in a letter sent home with students.

Parents say they feel as if he is taking away a tradition.

“It’s been a tradition in Ipswich, and you’re very proud as a parent to see your child, as well as some of the other children who made, really, some great efforts,” Dave Morin, a parent, told My Fox Boston.

Mr. Fabrizio says he plans to include the honors ceremony with a previously planned end-of-the-year assembly at which all students will be recognized, Fox reports.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.