This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
UCLA Announces Virtual Graduation, Students Express Outrage
The University of California Los Angeles celebrates its centennial in 2019. Andrew Cullen for LAist
UCLA announced Wednesday that its graduation ceremonies will be virtual, in an effort to contain coronavirus.
In a tweet, the university wrote that “the day does not define the journey”...
UCLA’s College commencement and all campus graduation ceremonies will be virtual this year, as we work to limit the spread of #COVIDー19 and protect our family and friends who would have joined us.
— UCLA (@UCLA) March 19, 2020
Please remember: the day does not define the journey.https://t.co/sXLi3JVafZ
...and some students did not care for that framing one bit.
“The day does not define the journey” is the most insensitive and most disrespectful explanation that you could give to graduating seniors. Postpone graduation given the circumstances till summer or fall but it is not okay to think a virtual graduation is the only option.
— Natalia (@shes_just_tali) March 19, 2020
"the day does not define the journey" is so upsetting and honestly insensitive
— nicole (@californicole_) March 19, 2020
Imagine working all those years and being the 1st person in your family to go to college and get ready to graduate and then this??? Having a 1st generation college graduate can be a big deal for many families. I’m not a uni student by any means but I’d be upset.
— 🦿🤽🏽♀️🦈🎮🏹 (@_LexLexington) March 19, 2020
Sponsored message
UCLA pretty much gaslighting students and families at this point
— Yerba Michael (@yerbamichael) March 19, 2020
The university has not responded as of yet.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
• Your No-Panic Guide To Coronavirus In LA So Far
• Your No-Panic Guide: Sanitizer, Toilet Paper, Medicine — When Will Everything Be Back In Stock?
• Here's Your Quick, To The Point, Coronavirus Prep List
• Have A Question? We Will Answer It
SOME STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT COVID-19
We're all living through this extraordinary and frightening pandemic. The vast majority of our newsroom has been working from home (here's some advice on that) since March 11 to bring you calm, helpful reporting. We are answering your questions and taking more.
Sponsored message
LAist is known for our events listings but now hopefully we'll be known for our non-event listings and tips for parents to try to keep you sane. And we're looking for your nominations for everyday heroes in this time of crisis. We're here to help. And if you can help support that effort financially, we'd be grateful.
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletter for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Support our free, independent journalism today. Donate now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
