Due to COVID restrictions at the beginning of the year, Stephens College Spring Class of 2020 faced constant rescheduling and eventual cancelation of their commencement ceremony. An email was sent out on August 19, 2020, by the President of the College, Dianne Lynch, claiming her condolences and how much she had pushed to have the Spring graduation.

The hard work spent over the last four years by these students was not represented nor celebrated, whether in person (following CDC guidelines) or online after the lift of quarantine nationwide. While in comparison, before and after quarantine, other various colleges and universities simulated their own commencements in ways that followed suit to them. As well as being understanding of the nation's health as a whole. 

Recently, on November 20, 2020, the Fall Class of 2020 had their commencement—for which we are very proud. But, this commencement was held on campus, without rescheduling, and within CDC guidelines of 6-foot distancing.

We, the Spring Class of 2020, now alumni, and other students from Stephens are confused as to why the treatment of the Fall commencement was different from the Springs. Time and time again the students are angry and upset by Stephens' lack of care towards their students and their feelings.

We are tired of being overlooked. The Spring 2020 graduates of Stephens College deserve a graduation ceremony. Whether that's in person, 6 feet apart, like the Fall grads, or hosted online completely. We can get creative, we are in an era of creation and innovation. Anything is possible and doing nothing is not suited here.

If you agree, sign our petition and help us see that change! Thank you.