Senator Todd Kaminsky, joined New York State Senate Education Chair Shelley Mayer and more than 20 members of the New York Senate to urge Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to allow in-person and outdoor graduation ceremonies in July for the class of 2020.
With the state beginning to reopen and the spread of COVID-19 on the decline, an outdoor event adhering to health protocols and social distancing measures should be held, the senators wrote.
“The high school graduating class of 2020 should be permitted to embrace their achievements, celebrate their successes and be fully recognized as they embark on the next chapter of their lives,” the letter states. “The relationships students have developed with their schools, teachers and peers will forever be grounded in their hearts and we know you share with us a commitment to find a way for them to celebrate their final high school moment in a traditional, ceremonious manner.”
The letter comes on the heels of an announcement by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy allowing graduation ceremonies beginning July 6.
Since New York was put on PAUSE on March 22, Sen. Kaminsky has fielded numerous calls from parents, students and school administrators concerned that the tradition of graduation would not be allowed due to health precautions. The students on Long Island have already been forced to adapt to changes in their daily life and have not been able to experience the rite of passage of a moving up ceremony.
“The class of 2020 deserves a real graduation, and I believe there is a way for us to do it safely this summer,” Sen. Kaminsky said. “With the virus on the decline and Long Island opening up, we should be able to let these students have the experience of celebrating this wonderful achievement in front of their families.”
