Two college seniors got a real-world lesson on the First Amendment and the power of activism when they created a petition pleading for graduation postponement instead of cancellation, then saw it go viral.

Azania German and her friend, Brittany Drake, attend Dominican College in Rockland County. The women said they were devastated when they got a letter that the commencement program at the Westchester County Center this month was not happening, and that the college opted to hold a virtual ceremony.

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“I am hoping to bring it to my school and talk to the president about it,” says German.

News 12 reached out to college leaders, and they said that “probably in early fall, the graduates will wear their caps and gowns and be recognized in the presence of friends and family.”

The college said that the virtual commencement is in addition to - not in place of - the in-person exercises that will take place with students, faculty, administrators and invited guests.

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