Graduation is one of the most important moments of a student's life. We have all battled through great challenges, including a pandemic, to be able to call ourselves college graduates. Will you stand with us as we fight for a graduation ceremony deserving of our achievements?

Texas State students will have spent at least $40,000 on tuition alone. Of those students, around 46% are first generation college students. With Texas State University making the decision to do online ceremonies instead of in-person ceremonies, the administration is stripping graduates of the fullness of achievement. With all that has been invested and overcome by students, they deserve in-person ceremonies.

Alternative options to be able to safely have in-person ceremonies are to use the bobcat football stadium with a capacity of 30,000 people. Limiting guest to 4-5 per a student would allow plenty of space apart. Adding more days to the process would allow for lower amounts of students per ceremony as well. There are plenty of other steps possible to add safety. At the end of the day, everyone participating is doing so at their own choice and should be allowed to make that decision.

Let’s celebrate this achievement properly, and safely, in-person.