On Wednesday, February 19th, 2020, the Hamline University Commencement team sent out an email announcing the location of Commencement 2020. In previous years, graduation has been scheduled to occur on the lawn of Old Main, only to be held in Hutton due to weather issues. This year, Hamline has made the EARLY decision that Commencement will be held in Hutton Arena, no matter what. Because of this choice, each graduate will only be allowed three guest tickets to attend in the arena, while other family members will have to watch on a live stream in the Anderson Center.

This choice is an issue of accessibility. Hutton is not an adequate space for the 2020 class of graduates along with their friends and family. Families will have to sit on wooden bleachers with no back support. The lack of comfort in the arena is problematic for able individuals and those that identify as disabled alike.

Accessibility tickets are available for family members in Hutton arena. Because of the cramped space, these tickets are also limited. This also means that families may have to be split apart within the gym because of designated accessible areas.

The truth is, many students do not have just three people in which they would like to invite to graduation. Students have already said that important members of their family will not be able to attend their major achievement of graduating from a four-year university because of the limited seating and lack of access. Families have already bought plane tickets from out of state just to be informed that they will either have to watch a university graduation in a hot, uncomfortable gym, or in a student center over a live stream.

In addition to the issue of inaccessibility, Hamline’s choice to stage the commencement ceremony in Hutton tells first-generation college students that a key triumph in their life story is only worthy enough for three of their family members to witness.

A private institution that has a 50,000-dollar price tag per student per year, has chosen to save money over the comfortability of students and their families that make this university possible.

So, what can be done here?

Hamline can stick to the original plan that they have used for years- having graduation on the lawn of Old Main, a historic building on campus, weather permitting. If the weather turns out to be a problem, an additional rain site venue that is more accessible for the students, families, and friends can be decided upon.

If the Commencement team does not want to have to plan for graduation in two areas, then choosing a more accessible indoor venue would also be a justifiable option.

This is a call to action! We cannot stand for a graduation ceremony that is rooted in ableism. Sign this petition to stand up for Hamline 2020 graduates and their families.