We, the students of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, were incredibly disappointed to learn that the college has decided to cancel the commencement ceremonies for the graduating class of 2021 and the graduated class of 2020 for this upcoming May. We have been told for months through the pandemic that we would be able to have a graduation ceremony this spring, and this decision by the college  so early in the semester to cancel in lieu of a virtual event is discouraging.

It is currently February, and we would be celebrating commencement in May. None of us know what the state of the world will be like by then, but it seems very early to be making such a big decision that will impact hundreds of students. We ask that the college reconsider their decision to cancel in-person commencement at this time, and wait a few months to re-evaluate the safety and plausibility of commencement at a later date.

There are options to safely hold ceremonies, as shown by the many high schools and colleges that have found creative ways to celebrate their students during this pandemic. An outdoor ceremony with all of the students spaced out that is livestreamed for their families to watch is a very possible option. Many schools also had drive-in style graduations last summer. MCLA has the spaces and the resources to hold an in-person commencement safely.

We are asking that, instead of deciding now to cancel an in-person ceremony completely, that MCLA take the time to consider more options and see what the state guidelines will allow in a few months time. Thank you for reading.