As the Class of 2021 prepares to graduate this May, we petition Fordham University to hold in-person, socially distant commencement ceremonies with limited guests.

Through the pandemic, we have endured 3 semesters of online learning, cancelled events, and increasing tuition. Nonetheless, our friends and families have supported us mentally, emotionally, and financially through this disappointing and frustrating end to our college careers. With multiple vaccines now widely available, Fordham owes each graduate and up to 2 guests an invitation to the physical commencement ceremonies. University at Buffalo SUNY, University of Southern California, Notre Dame, and numerous other universities are developing innovative plans to allow graduates and guests to safely attend their commencement ceremonies. Fordham should follow their leadership to support our community and hold in-person ceremonies with 2 guests per student.

In a public video conversation, Dean Gill repeated various times that students couldn’t have “Mommy and Daddy” at graduation. To solve this problem, we propose that most faculty and staff be invited to stay home and attend the ceremonies virtually. This will allow Fordham to safely accommodate the graduates’ guests and maintain social distance for the in-person commencement ceremonies.