With COVID restrictions being lifted all over the country in response to mass vaccination efforts and continued guidance from the CDC with regard to managing large gatherings, it is the expectation of the parents and students of the graduating class of 2021 to be afforded the monumental opportunity for an in-person Commencement to signify their achievements.  

With the Governor’s allowance for outdoor entertainment activities such as sporting events, races, Amusement Parks, etc. in the State of Virginia, we urge the Governor to treat University Commencement exercises with the reverence and recognition that they deserve and immediately provide guidance and clarification to the Universities with regard to classifying Outdoor Commencement exercises as outdoor entertainment, thereby increasing the limits of attendees to 1,000 and potentially greater come April. If outdoor venues can host 1,000 or more spectators for sporting events, certainly we can do so safely with an outdoor commencement, particularly with stadium’s the size of Virginia Tech’s that can accommodate in excess of 60,000 attendees.

Our students and families, who have lost out on so much already, are owed and have earned the right to honor this achievement with all of the acclaim that it requires. Please sign this petition to demonstrate your support for SAFE, in-person, outdoor University Commencement exercises in Virginia!