One Iowa lawmaker has introduced a bill for in-person university graduations. 

House Representative for District 19 Carter Nordman introduced the bill that would require regent universities to have an in-person graduation ceremony for its students. Nordman says he has heard from constituents saying it was unfair that universities weren’t planning in-person ceremonies. 

“I have had a multitude of constituents come to me and say this is unfair, we have complied with all of these COVID regulations that the schools have wanted us to. The schools are putting on football games and basketball games with (people in) attendance but we can’t have an in-person ceremony for graduation.”

Nordman says lawmakers began having conversations with university presidents and student leaders.  He notes that Iowa State University said in-person ceremonies could be done, which they plan to do so later this year. 

“We are talking about ceremonies that are going to be done in May and the Biden Administration has already announced that every American who wants a vaccine will be able to have a vaccine by May. I think some of the universities jumped the gun a little bit on announcing virtual commencements.”

Nordman says he is happy to see that all regent universities have announced that they will hold an in-person commencement or have an option for in-person commencement.