Commencement is set up by the school, not the students. The students can ask for certain things, far enough in advance to be determined in the best interest of the facility and the students in their opinion. but it the schools responsibility to the current, and future student body, to decide what will be allowed on the land.
Cancel all commencement activities and mail them their diplomas. If they were looking forward to the joy of the celebration, they just told the college to save the money for the activities the school is paying for so they can use it for stamps.
The students need to learn that life doesn’t happen just for you and what you want. Life is give and take. And if you do something that is inconsistent with society or tradition, then you must be prepared to handle the yang.
rwood
Well said (and just what I was thinking, too).
Bingo!!! You beat me to it.Obviously they don't want graduation. Mail the diplomas, starting in August.