Minnesota Releases Guidelines For Celebrating Class Of 2020

MINNESOTA — Due to the new coronavirus crisis, Minnesota's high school class of 2020 will not be able to receive their diploma in a typical graduation ceremony. State education officials Friday announced a ban on in-person graduation ceremonies filled with pomp and circumstance.

"The safest way to observe graduation/commencement is for everyone to stay home," the Minnesota Department of Education said in a statement. "Indoor graduations and ceremonies held outside in stadiums and footballs fields are not permitted."

Officials have provided the following guidelines for safely celebrating the class of 2020:

"The safety and well-being of Minnesota’s students and their families, as well as school staff, is our number one priority," state education officials wrote.

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"We know how much students in the class of 2020 have sacrificed this year, and how disappointing it is not to participate in the milestones or traditions they had imagined. These guidelines were made with public health protection in mind, and adhering to them is how we will both celebrate our students and move safely through this challenge together."

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