ALBANY, NY – Governor Cuomo announced at his daily press conference that outdoor, socially distanced graduations of up to 150 people will be allowed beginning June 26th.

Assemblyman Schmitt (Stony Point) started the petition effort following his formal request made to Governor Cuomo and the New York State Education Department two weeks ago to authorize socially distant in-person summertime outdoor graduation ceremonies for New York students following the standards already authorized in New Jersey and many other states for middle school, high school and college graduations.

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt stated, “We now have socially distant in-person graduation ceremonies authorized for New York students. This is a huge win for our deserving New York students who have achieved so much. We have moved the Governor who just days ago refused to authorize any socially distant in-person summertime graduation ceremonies. I was happy to be the first to formally request the outdoor ceremonies two weeks ago and launch a petition effort to support the request. I will continue to push to increase the number allowed per ceremony to accommodate larger graduating classes.”

This plan is subject to any outbreaks or significant changes.

Video and cover photo from the Suffern High School Class of 2019 Graduation