Corrado: Gov. Murphy Should Let High School Graduates Walk in June

Says July 6th Date Set by Governor Is Completely Arbitrary, Not Based on Any Metrics or Benchmarks

Senator Kristin Corrado is calling for New Jersey schools to hold in-person graduations on their own schedules. Earlier this week, Governor Phil Murphy announced that the Class the 2020 will be permitted to hold in-person graduations with various restrictions after July 6th.

“The governor has continuously repeated that ‘data determines dates,’ but he has never explained the specific benchmarks that must be met for his executive orders to be lifted,” said Corrado (R-40.) “The July 6th date he has set for graduations seems completely arbitrary and does not appear to be based on any public health metrics or benchmarks. Also, the current restrictions on the size of permitted gatherings seems to conflict with the goal of allowing classmates to graduate together. Governor Murphy should explain to graduates and their families why graduations will be any safer on that date than if they were to take place in June as they normally do.

“Additionally, we’ve heard from schools that they have insurance and staffing issues if graduations are pushed past June 30th. The governor’s lack of transparency on this issue is not fair to young adults who have worked hard for their diplomas or to their parents who deserve the opportunity to see their children walk.

“If schools can host graduations in a safe and responsible manner, we should give them that flexibility to do so on their own timelines.  I also urge the governor to lift the gathering restrictions so gradates may celebrate together while practicing social distancing.”