Dear Birmingham City Schools System Superintendent, our distinguished school board members, and all stakeholders of Birmingham City Schools,

While we, the students of Birmingham City Schools, have been very supportive of your actions to keep us safe during the pandemic, we find it very unreasonable for you to limit our high school graduation recognition services to a "red carpet drive through". While we do understand the severity of the health crisis that we are facing, we believe that we have been waiting for this moment for many years and it does not have to be an all or nothing decision.

Over the past few months, students have had NO input regarding our graduation ceremonies, which is quite outlandish in today's democracy; whereas major decisions like this require input from all stakeholders. 

Surrounding school districts have found very safe, creative measures to celebrate their graduating seniors. Although Birmingham City Schools preferred to restrain from doing that, we are strongly asking for them to reconsider. 

For example, a smart, productive way to celebrate us would be to schedule traditional-style graduations inside Legion Field, which seats 71,594 people, set up seating arrangements for graduates that meet Alabama social distancing guidelines and enforce social distancing for all guests attending the celebrations. 

While our governor has opened pools, parks, beaches, boardwalks, Targets, Walmart’s, Lowe’s, Home Depot’s, liquor stores, etc, we are certain it is possible to find a creative, but traditional way for the Class of 2020 to graduate while following the social distancing rules set forth.

We urge you to take this under serious consideration as this is “essential” to our emotional, mental, and social well being.

*Please be reminded that you are NOT required to attend any of these celebrations if you believe our proposed actions will impede upon the wellbeing of you or your family. America is a democracy, and it is strictly each citizen's decision if they attend or not.

- The Birmingham City School System Class of 2020