We are looking forward to hosting Brown’s Commencement and Reunion activities this weekend, which are always a time for community and celebration. The events bring tens of thousands of people to campus to experience the joys and traditions of graduation, reflect on great memories and make new ones. For this year’s graduating seniors — many of whom did not have the opportunity to experience a traditional graduation in high school due to the COVID-19 pandemic — we know that this year’s Commencement is particularly special, even as we formally recognize the hard work and accomplishments of all of our amazing graduates.

We are writing to share our community standards for respect for others as we come together as a community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, families and friends for this momentous weekend. We recognize that this event comes amid an extraordinary time of geopolitical conflict nationally and around the world. Many in our community have felt these issues deeply or have experienced them in personal ways, either directly or through experiences involving family or loved ones, and continue to express their views. 

Brown is a community whose members value engaging in various forms of expression as a powerful means of advocacy and support. We therefore continue to ensure that there is a shared understanding among all who come to Brown that expression is permissible, but becomes unacceptable when it compromises the safety and security of others, or interferes in the rights of others to engage in the activities or operations of the University. 

We have been communicating the following tips and guidance to this weekend’s participants and guests to help ensure that all students and families have equal opportunities to mark this important milestone:

Graduates and guests are not permitted to bring items to Commencement or Reunion events that would obstruct the view or create a safety hazard for others (e.g., large banners, posters, rigid sticks or poles, etc.), and also cannot affix signage, banners or similar displays to any buildings, poles or other structures. Students who choose to adorn their caps and/or gowns with images and/or messages, and alumni and friends who choose to decorate or design their apparel, may do so provided that the content does not intimidate or threaten individuals or groups based on an actual or perceived membership in a protected class. Signage, flags and other forms of expression may be on display, provided that it meets these standards.

In addition, the weekend is a celebration, and we know that all participants and guests will want to appreciate the graduates. At the same time, crowd noise must not interfere with the ability of everyone to enjoy the ceremonies. It’s important that all in attendance also be able to listen to instructions from Brown’s event staff and volunteers who are working very hard to make the weekend a success for all. 

Staff from every corner of campus will give their time in the coming days attending to every detail of the weekend to make Commencement and Reunion possible for the thousands who attend. We want to share our appreciation in advance for every effort you make to cooperate with them.

As we note the volatility of events at some campuses across the country, we are proud of the many examples we’ve seen of the Brown community having difficult yet necessary conversations while demonstrating respect and value for others. We are an academic community dedicated to ensuring respect for the views, perspectives and experiences of others, even when — and especially when — people disagree. This commitment is core to our values as an institution of teaching and learning.

If you are planning to participate in any of our events this weekend (and we hope that you are), you can help ensure that the focus of this once-in-a-lifetime event remains on the tremendous accomplishments of our graduating students. You can find out more about Commencement weekend, including the schedule for all planned events, by visiting https://commencement.brown.edu/. 

Congratulations to all of our 2024 graduates and their families. We also thank the many faculty and staff who helped and supported our graduates in their educational journeys to reach this moment. We are proud and excited to bring together the entire Brown community this weekend in a festive and joyous celebration. 

Sincerely,

Francis J. Doyle, III

Provost

Eric Estes

Vice President for Campus Life

Zack Langway

Vice President for Alumni Relations