As a graduate student of Brooklyn College and a mother, I envisioned a day when my family would watch me proudly walk across the stage to receive my diploma. This moment signifies years of dedication, late nights, and sacrifices made for the betterment of my future and, ultimately, for the future of my family. Being denied the opportunity to participate in this rite of passage is not just disappointing; it feels like an erasure of hard-earned accomplishments.

Graduation has a long-standing tradition of honoring its graduates by allowing them to cross the stage during the commencement ceremony. This tradition is more than a formality; it is an emotional and motivational milestone for students and their families. The recent decision to change this tradition impacts not only individual students like myself but also our loved ones who have supported us throughout our academic journeys.

Graduation is a momentous occasion that deserves to be celebrated. It's a time for students to reflect on their scholastic achievements and to feel rewarded for years of diligence and commitment. For families, it’s an opportunity to take pride in their children's and loved ones' successes.

Administrative decisions should consider the emotional and communal significance of graduation ceremonies. It is essential to uphold traditions that promote family and community engagement and honor the efforts of our students who have worked tirelessly. Other academic institutions continue to conduct ceremonies that allow students to walk, highlighting its importance.

We urge Brooklyn College administrators to reconsider their stance and restore the tradition of walking during graduation. By doing so, they not only uphold a cherished tradition but also reinforce the value they place on their students’ journeys and achievements.

Please sign this petition to support Brooklyn College’s graduating class in celebrating their accomplishments with the dignity and recognition they deserve. Let us walk the stage and commemorate this significant milestone together with our families and friends.