John Beers, a senior majoring in computer science, argues that since not every graduate practices a religion, the Commencement ceremony should not include prayer.

“I feel that I’ve worked so hard to graduate, only to be excluded at my own graduation. GW includes a diverse body of students from many different faiths – as well as those with no faith, or even anti-faith. We have a special service for students of faith, the interfaith baccalaureate, which kicks off Commencement Weekend. This is a great chance for students to come together in prayer if they so choose. However, the general commencement is for ALL of the graduating students -– not just those of faith.”