Given the current and pervasive threat of COVID-19, Cornell University's 2020 Commencement Weekend - originally set to be held Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24 - cannot and should not be held as originally scheduled.

At present date, no decision has been made on the future of commencement. While the safety of students, faculty, and staff is paramount, the culmination and celebration of students' hard work and academic dedication should not be forgotten. Students deserve the opportunity to celebrate with their peers, faculty, and all who have made their Cornell experience what it was. An online graduation does not offer this. 

In this petition we ask President Martha Pollack and Cornell University to reschedule an in-person Commencement Weekend once it is safe to do so. Furthermore, we ask that the University enact measures to ensure that all graduating students and their families are able to attend.

The Cornell University Class of 2020 deserves a proper farewell.