Dear Editor,

All Indiana University affiliated colleges are allowing in-person Graduate Commencement Ceremonies, but for the graduates only. They are only allowing parents and other families to attend the event virtually.  Not all people have had the privilege to graduate college, and it is considered one of life’s biggest accomplishments. This should be a moment a student should be able to share with their closest family or friends, and this is being taken away from them.

It is understood they are using COVID-19 protocols to make this determination.  The frustration begins when they restrict graduation in this manner but allow “limited” fan attendance to the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tourney that they will be hosting.  Per Purdue University’s website, they will be allowing two guest tickets per graduate.  COVID-19 numbers have been the lowest across the state in a long time, with areas not facing capacity restrictions at all. The students should be allowed a set number of tickets for at least their parents. There’s no reason ”Covid” precautions can not be placed and accommodated.  

Please help advocate for our children and the parents who have stood behind these children, every step of their way.  If you are interested, please sign the petition that is located at https://www.change.org/p/college-students-allow-parents-at-graduation-for-iu-campuses .

Trisha Reid
Albion