With increased vaccinations, mutating variants and shutdown fatigue creating a Covid-19 limbo, HBCUs are reacting in a variety of ways in preparing this spring’s graduations. Howard University president Wayne A. I. Frederick’s letter regarding the May 5-8 celebration sees a fluid approach. As of now they’re planning an in-person ceremony for both the 2020 and 2021 graduates, but not if Covid-19 risks escalate.
“If we cannot receive approval or further guidance from D.C. government, or if local conditions deteriorate to the point that we do not believe in-person exercises can be held safely, then we will commit to a 100 percent virtual,” Frederick wrote in his letter. “We will make a final decision by April 9.”
Other HBCUs have shut the door, reluctantly foregoing in-person for the second straight year. Responding to the Hampton University senior class pleading for in-person ceremonies, school officials Karen Turner Ward and Barbara L. Inman were understanding but cited overcrowding as well as other risks inherent to an in-person celebration.
“When all options were considered individually and collectively, it was determined that hosting an in-person ceremony would not be in the best interest of the Hampton University community,” Ward and Inman wrote in a letter. “The university has maintained a low positivity rate because of protocols and mitigation strategies. We must continue to keep the campus safe and secure. The pandemic is not over.”
Conversely, Spelman College has committed to in-person, including the Class of 2020 whose ceremony was canceled last year.
“Both ceremonies will be socially distanced according to current COVID requirements and guidelines for the health and safety of our graduates and guests,” the college announced on its website.
As the virus continues to keep society flat-footed, HBCUs are respectively doing their best in a variety of ways for 2020-21 graduates.
