It has recently been decided that each member of the class of Fall 2021 of Grambling State University will only be given 6 tickets apiece to invite family and friends to our upcoming graduation. We are deeply concerned about the limit of people allowed to celebrate our outstanding accomplishment. We do not feel that it is fair to limit the number of tickets for such a momentous occasion, especially since the university has recently held extracurricular events without such restrictions. We have come together to create this petition in hopes of getting the attention of the administration. 

     Our homecoming celebrations took place last week. During that time we experienced a great tragedy due to gun violence. We understand the decision to limit graduation attendees may have been made in lieu of these events and the goal is to ensure our safety. We also recognize there is an ongoing pandemic and that measures must be taken to protect everyone. To participate in homecoming activities, students were required to wear masks and present either a negative COVID test from the last 48 hours or proof of vaccination. There was a clear bag policy and security searched the bags and persons of everyone entering. There was no capacity limit set for these events. We feel as though these were acceptable measures. If these were considered safe enough conditions to hold concerts and sporting events, we do not understand why the same cannot apply to our graduation ceremony. If deemed necessary, social distancing guidelines can be put into place such as skipping seats or rows during the ceremony. We are willing to comply with any rules or guidelines put into place. 

     Our facilities have the capacity to hold the people that have supported us and guided us to this pivotal moment in our lives. Our degrees have been earned, not given. This will be a very special moment in our lives and we want the chance to have those we love the most present. Some of us are non-traditional students with larger families and children of our own. Many of us are first-generation graduates. To deny our families the opportunity to relish in our success is unacceptable. Our motto states that we are the place, “Where Everybody is Somebody”, and we as students want to be heard and accommodated. We ask that the administration seriously consider our requests. We are willing to comply with any rules or guidelines put into place to make the process go as smoothly as possible, we just want an opportunity to have our families present at such an important event. Please aid us in getting the attention of our administration in hopes of overturning the decision by signing our petition!