As future graduates and alumni of the University of Oregon, we are entitled to have a voice in our own Spring 2021 Commencement celebration. We demand that the University of Oregon reconsider its decision to cancel all in-person graduation events. We appeal for University Officials to re-evaluate and disclose plans for all alternatives, including:

• Covid-Safe Departmental Graduation Ceremonies
• Utilizing Outdoor University Spaces like Autzen Stadium, Hayward Field, and other outdoor spaces
• Vaccinating Spring 2021 Graduates
• Postponing Graduation Events to Summer 2021

With vaccinations on the rise, the end of this devastating COVID-19 pandemic is in sight. It is unrealistic and dishonorable for University Officials to cancel all plans for spring commencement four months in advance, especially while negotiations for the Olympic Track Trials at Hayward Field are still being considered. Over the past few years, we seniors have put forth all our academic creativity, our passions, and our finances towards bettering the UO, and the university owes us the decency of transparency, respect, and compassion in reconsidering this decision, hearing our voices, and finding a solution that benefits us all.