About a year ago, the Class of 2020 was sent home from campus unsure of when they would be able to return. They were assured verbally and in writing on multiple occasions, however, that they would be welcomed back someday to celebrate their accomplishments.Now, they are being told that Commencement is not feasible for the class of 2020, and will instead have a virtual reunion, a decision made without including the student body of the Class of 2020.
There is simply no reason that a special on-campus, in-person reception and a walk through the Van Wickle gates with caps and gowns cannot be planned for the Class of 2020. Even if they have to wait an extra year and postpone Commencement until 2022, reunion weekend is always one that draws thousands to College Hill. Adding extra seats to the Main green for the members of the Class of 2020 that decide to attend and their families, and allowing them to finally walk through the gates with caps and gowns when it is safe to do so would not involve a burdensome amount of additional work and planning. Many things were taken from the Class of 2020 that cannot be replaced, but an in-person Commencement should not be one of them. Sign and share if you agree!
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
March 11, 2021
March 7, 2021
I was looking back at the original emails where they promised us an in-person ceremony and honestly the frustration just hits all over again because a virtual reunion is not a replacement for the closure we were promised. I have been drafting emails to the administration all morning and even though it feels like talking into a void sometimes your comments here remind me exactly why we are demanding a real walk through those gates.
March 5, 2021
Seeing all these people pop up on my screen is actually making me pace around my living room because I really did not think this would catch fire like this. It feels like we are finally being seen after being told no so many times and I honestly just need a minute to let it sink in that we might actually get those gates opened for us.
Reached 100 supporters
March 5, 2021
March 4, 2021
I really think we can hit that hundred mark if everyone just drops a link in a group chat somewhere because honestly it feels like the administration is just hoping we stop paying attention. It would be wild if we could get that number up by tonight since the momentum is actually building despite how quiet they are being about the whole gate walk situation.
31 Comments
I am deeply disappointed that Brown has made zero effort to afford the class of 2020 an in-person commencement ceremony, despite the fact that the insultingly low quality of the YouTube video posted as our 2020 commencement was justified by the promise of a future in-person event. I do not intend to donate anything to Brown U. in my lifetime if this is not remedied.
We deserve commencement (ESP. US FIRST-GEN FOLKS. COME ON. THIS IS MORE THAN A GRADUATION FOR US.) I hadn’t realized it was canceled altogether. Unacceptable.
Since March I have been severely depressed. My mom and grandfather passed away with covid, my boyfriend of 5 years dumped me and I haven’t gotten into a single grad program nor gotten a real job. It has been a tough and lonely year. My new year’s resolution was to move on, work on myself, and become someone I am proud of by our make-up graduation when I hoped to finally see and reconnect with friends.... Really hoping I get that opportunity. Can’t believe I’ve spent a year inside and now will watch all my friends at other schools have an in person graduation.
It is important that the class of 2020 be celebrated in-person. They have worked hard and deserve to be celebrated, recognized, and honored. The year 2020 has left a bitter taste on all levels for the students( academically, athletically, and socially). This should not be taken away from them. They have been robbed of so much joy and honoring them so their families can feel a sense of accomplishment, peace, and closure is imperative.
The Class of 2020 should be granted the opportunity to celebrate with an in person commencement ceremony. Processing through the Van Wickle gates surrounded by classmates on Commencement day is a long-standing Brown tradition that all classes deserve to experience! Better later than never...together we can make this happen!
Looking forward to seeing the Class of 2020 walk OUT OF the Van Wickle Gates. Hoping that University and Class of '20 leadership are working TOGETHER to support this important and well-earned tradition.
Let the. Grad
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About a year ago, the Class of 2020 was sent home from campus unsure of when they would be able to return. They were assured verbally and in writing on multiple occasions, however, that they would be welcomed back someday to celebrate their accomplishments.Now, they are being told that Commencement is not feasible for the class of 2020, and will instead have a virtual reunion, a decision made without including the student body of the Class of 2020.
There is simply no reason that a special on-campus, in-person reception and a walk through the Van Wickle gates with caps and gowns cannot be planned for the Class of 2020. Even if they have to wait an extra year and postpone Commencement until 2022, reunion weekend is always one that draws thousands to College Hill. Adding extra seats to the Main green for the members of the Class of 2020 that decide to attend and their families, and allowing them to finally walk through the gates with caps and gowns when it is safe to do so would not involve a burdensome amount of additional work and planning. Many things were taken from the Class of 2020 that cannot be replaced, but an in-person Commencement should not be one of them. Sign and share if you agree!
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
March 11, 2021
March 7, 2021
I was looking back at the original emails where they promised us an in-person ceremony and honestly the frustration just hits all over again because a virtual reunion is not a replacement for the closure we were promised. I have been drafting emails to the administration all morning and even though it feels like talking into a void sometimes your comments here remind me exactly why we are demanding a real walk through those gates.
March 5, 2021
Seeing all these people pop up on my screen is actually making me pace around my living room because I really did not think this would catch fire like this. It feels like we are finally being seen after being told no so many times and I honestly just need a minute to let it sink in that we might actually get those gates opened for us.
Reached 100 supporters
March 5, 2021
March 4, 2021
I really think we can hit that hundred mark if everyone just drops a link in a group chat somewhere because honestly it feels like the administration is just hoping we stop paying attention. It would be wild if we could get that number up by tonight since the momentum is actually building despite how quiet they are being about the whole gate walk situation.
31 Comments
Claire, her parents, and us, her grandparents ( plus more who are deceased) have all graduated from Brown. We want to attend graduation and have a picture of the five of us at the gates.
I am deeply disappointed that Brown has made zero effort to afford the class of 2020 an in-person commencement ceremony, despite the fact that the insultingly low quality of the YouTube video posted as our 2020 commencement was justified by the promise of a future in-person event. I do not intend to donate anything to Brown U. in my lifetime if this is not remedied.
We deserve commencement (ESP. US FIRST-GEN FOLKS. COME ON. THIS IS MORE THAN A GRADUATION FOR US.) I hadn’t realized it was canceled altogether. Unacceptable.
Since March I have been severely depressed. My mom and grandfather passed away with covid, my boyfriend of 5 years dumped me and I haven’t gotten into a single grad program nor gotten a real job. It has been a tough and lonely year. My new year’s resolution was to move on, work on myself, and become someone I am proud of by our make-up graduation when I hoped to finally see and reconnect with friends.... Really hoping I get that opportunity. Can’t believe I’ve spent a year inside and now will watch all my friends at other schools have an in person graduation.
It is important that the class of 2020 be celebrated in-person. They have worked hard and deserve to be celebrated, recognized, and honored. The year 2020 has left a bitter taste on all levels for the students( academically, athletically, and socially). This should not be taken away from them. They have been robbed of so much joy and honoring them so their families can feel a sense of accomplishment, peace, and closure is imperative.
The Class of 2020 should be granted the opportunity to celebrate with an in person commencement ceremony. Processing through the Van Wickle gates surrounded by classmates on Commencement day is a long-standing Brown tradition that all classes deserve to experience! Better later than never...together we can make this happen!
Looking forward to seeing the Class of 2020 walk OUT OF the Van Wickle Gates. Hoping that University and Class of '20 leadership are working TOGETHER to support this important and well-earned tradition.
Let the. Grad
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Claire, her parents, and us, her grandparents ( plus more who are deceased) have all graduated from Brown. We want to attend graduation and have a picture of the five of us at the gates.