After receiving the recent email from the school of course Spring 2020 graduates and even summer 2020 graduates are furious. We have worked hard over the last 4, 5, or even 6 years just to walk across the stage. 

I understand because of Gov. Edwards new orders for canceling, but High Schools are still having grad ceremonies on their school campus football field which hold over 3-4 thousand and upwards capacity. Strawberry Stadium holds around 7400. Gov Edwards also said the restrictions were only in place until July 24th. So a commencement in August can be held. 

Here's how it can be done:

Host graduation at Strawberry Stadium, The stadium capacity is around 7400. You can have chairs set up six feet apart on the stadium turf (You can't mess up turf like you can grass). Have all graduating students wear a mask. Have only Parents or legal guardians in the stands Wearing a mask. The stadium seating can maintain social distancing if (on the home side) two seats apart. Most businesses in Louisiana are open to 25% capacity. 25% of 7400 is 1,850. A commencement can be done this way, it can.  

A commencement can still be held with restrictions in place. High schools have limited to just parents/legal guardians in attendance while maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask. Students can wear a mask while waiting on the field to have their name called. Now I understand College has more students graduating but it can still happen even with the restrictions. 

High schools have students sit in chairs six feet apart, wearing a mask on the field. Why can Southeastern not do the same?

A commencement for us 2020 graduates needs to happen and it can be done this way. Southeastern can host graduations if multiple Louisiana High Schools can. We deserve this honor, our parents deserve to see us walk across the stage as well. Allowing other classes to walk besides this class is truly unfair. We deserve a commencement.

 As stated multiple times. A commencement can be done if done the way stated. Southeastern please review your decisions from the email sent out earlier.