Senator Mayer Spearheads Letter to Governor Cuomo Urging that NYS Permit In-Person, Outdoor Graduation Ceremonies in July

Albany, NY -- On Wednesday, May 27, State Senator Shelley B. Mayer (SD-37, Westchester) and many of her Senate colleagues sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo urging that he permit outdoor in-person high school graduation ceremonies in July under guidance set by the NYS Department of Health.
 
Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, said “Our students have already had to make tremendous sacrifices due to the coronavirus pandemic. High school graduation is such a special milestone--I believe that we can find a safe way for them to celebrate.”
 
The letter states: “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 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...We are confident a safe, carefully managed outdoor and in person high school graduation can be achieved in New York, during the month of July, and under guidance set by the Department of Health. We urge you to find a way to allow this to happen."
 
This week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced that in-person high school graduation ceremonies would be allowed in the state beginning July 6th.