The school released a list of safety precautions it is taking for the ceremony. Among them, graduates and other attendees will be screened for Covid-19 symptoms, required to wear masks and sit 6 feet apart from each other.

But Ryan Jarvi, press secretary for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessels office, said that "organized gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited by law in that part of the state, and such events clearly show a lack of consideration for the dangerous threat this virus presents."

Emily Stack Davis, a spokesperson for the college, did not confirm how many people were expected to attend. MLive reported that the ceremony is expected to bring 2,600 people to the city of 8,000 residents.

Jarvi said, Should this event proceed, we trust the local law enforcement agencies to exercise their authority and discretion in their enforcement efforts.

We sympathize with those who want to celebrate the success of college graduates, but the unfortunate circumstances surrounding this pandemic have made that difficult for many, and we encourage alternatives to large assemblies that could further jeopardize the health of many people."

Hillsdale College said it had communicated its plans to Gov. Gretchen Whitmers office more than a month before the events. The college also said it continued to work with local law enforcement and health officials; the state Attorney Generals office likewise suggested this was the appropriate and necessary step.

The college, in a press release, said Hillsdale Colleges Commencement is an 'expressive activity' protected by the First Amendment. So far, the college still intends to put on the ceremony.

"Commencement is the most significant event in the life of a college, said Arnn. As old as the first universities, this milestone represents the conclusion of the Colleges labor and also inaugurates an even greater undertaking: each graduates commencing to live a good and happy life in accordance with the highest principles, a life for which they have spent four years preparing.

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Trump-connected college to host in-person graduation, despite state limits on gatherings - POLITICO