Remote learners, early graduates not allowed to participate in Duke graduation

Duke University plans to hold an in-person graduation ceremony on May 2, but some students say they're frustrated with one condition -- any student who didn't participate in the university’s COVID-19 surveillance testing program this spring can't participate in the ceremony.

The graduates who disapprove of the changes have created a petition, calling on Duke to change its policy.

"I've been looking forward to this for so long," said Duke graduate Charlie Gelman. "Since there's no ceremony for December grads, they tell you, 'Hey, do you want to graduate with the year before you or the year after you?' Obviously, we're like, 'Yeah, we want to graduate with the class of 2021.'"

A letter from university President Vincent Price stated who gets to participate in graduation, saying the university hopes "to offer an in-person event in Wallace Wade Stadium for members of the undergraduate Class of 2021 who have been regular participants in our COVID-testing surveillance program.”

That means early graduates, like Gelman, and students who chose to learn remotely during spring semester are left out.

Gelman and another recent graduate created a Change.org petition, which has garnered nearly 1,050 signatures.

The students are asking Duke administrators to create a safe pathway for students to rejoin the testing protocol and participate in graduation.

"I'm hopeful that, as there's more exposure to this, that they will change their tune," said Gelman.

A university spokesperson said school leaders were aware of the petition and are continuing to evaluate all options.