In the spring of 2020, around 5,300 colleges and universities across America will grant degrees to almost 3.9 million graduates. Sadly, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, few graduates will be able to gather in caps and gowns and walk across the podium to receive their diplomas while proud parents and other family members celebrate their accomplishment.
In a time of declining college enrollments, we should find other creative ways to celebrate students who complete a college or university degree, at least in part because college graduates tend to be more tolerant of others. For example, one study found that friendships among college students with different religious and political views increase empathy and understanding. Additionally, Pew Research studies show that, compared to those who have no knowledge, Americans who have at least some knowledge about other religious groups generally have more positive feelings about members of that group.
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