Bowling Green State University has officially begun telling students that the graduation ceremony for May of 2021 will be held as a virtual ceremony. Not only is this unfair to the graduating students, but it is unfair to the families of the graduates. 

Bowling Green State University has felt comfortable enough to host football games, basketball games, and other sporting events but now draws the line with commencement. Students look forward to walking across the stage, receiving their degree before the eyes of their friends and families, and celebrating with the other members of their college from the moment they begin their educational career at the university. Yes, we understand that these are unprecedented times. However, if the university can find the means to ensure a safe basketball game, they can find the means to ensure a safe commencement ceremony. 

Bowling Green State University is more than capable of holding a commencement ceremony for the upcoming graduates. There are ways to ensure the safety of all attendees. Graduations can be held in smaller numbers, focusing on specific colleges at a time. It may be inconvenient for the university, it may even be expensive, but they are more than capable of making it happen. With the sums of money that we have collectively paid in our tuition's, there is money that can be used to fund graduation ceremonies. There are ways. 

It is no longer a matter of guidelines from the state of Ohio, the number of coronavirus cases is steadily declining, and by the time May rolls around, a larger number of Ohio residents, including Bowling Green residents, will be vaccinated and protected against the virus. 

We have worked so hard to earn this degree. We have looked forward to walking across that stage for three, four, five plus years. Do not take this away from us. We have already lost so many of the best parts of our senior year, do not take this away from us too.