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Hillsdale, Michigan: A small conservative university in southern Michigan has defied warnings from state public health officials during the coronavirus pandemic by hosting an in-person graduation ceremony.
Hillsdale College celebrated their graduation on Saturday night, culminating the celebration days, according to The Detroit News.
“COVID was obviously a concern,” said David Betz, whose son, Christian, graduated. “For a once in a lifetime opportunity to come, it was worth it.”
The university of approximately 1,500 students had expected more than 2,000 people at the event, though school officials declined to discuss actual attendance numbers. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called the meeting illegal at a time when public meetings are limited to 100 people.
Health officials had said the event, which drew people to restaurants and hotels, put the HIllsdale city community of approximately 8,000 people at risk.
School officials said graduation is an important milestone and safety precautions were taken, including wearing masks. The liberal arts college has connections with leading Republicans. Vice President Mike Pence delivered the 2018 graduation speech.
Michigan has reported more than 73,000 confirmed COVID-19s with more than 6,100 deaths.
