Southern Nazarene University issued the following announcement.
In recognition of the surge of new COVID cases in Oklahoma, the incredible strain this has placed on front-line medical workers and hospital capacities, and out of great concern for the participants along with the faculty and staff that will work the commencement events on December 12, I am announcing today the cancellation of the in-person, December 12 commencement events. I am incredibly saddened for the SNU campus community and especially our 2020 graduates, families, and friends.
I truly understand that this will come as very disappointing news for our graduates and families. In my work as Chief Academic Officer, the commencement exercises are the most special moments of every year. I have been deeply troubled and conflicted these last weeks as we have watched cases rise expeditiously in Oklahoma. I personally conceptualized and planned with our Faculty Marshals this highly regulated December commencement. In our early planning, case counts and hospital capacities were far different than what we see today, and what seemed reasonable no longer does. Over these last few days, it has become apparent to all of us that no matter the number of safety precautions or protocols utilized, the events cannot be accomplished. This was punctuated by the announcement of Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt in his report on November 19, describing the case counts as “skyrocketing” and imploring all Oklahomans to avoid high risk events and activities to minimize the “tsunami” of COVID cases. The gatherings of more than 1,500 from across the state and nation for indoor events in a high-risk moment is something we must avoid for the care and safety of all. SNU is a culturally responsive, beloved community and as such, we practice a Wesleyan ethic of care and hospitality. Out of love for one another, we are compelled at this moment to make this very hard decision.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up