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Hillsdale College holds in-person graduation despite order

Graduate with cap and gown
Posted at 9:51 PM, Jul 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-19 22:19:34-04

HILLSDALE, Mich. (AP) — A liberal arts college in southern Michigan that says it promotes civil liberty has defied warnings from state and public health officials by holding an in-person graduation ceremony.

The Detroit News reports Hillsdale College held graduation Saturday evening.

The college had expected more than 2,000 people.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel had called the celebration amid restrictions on public gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic illegal.

University officials say graduation is an important milestone and safety precautions were taken, including wearing masks.

COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in recent days.

More than 73,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Michigan.