Howard University is canceling plans for Howard Homecoming in 2020, According to the university president, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick. Instead, it will be held virtually as part of the universities reopening plan for the fall. The specific plans for the virtual celebration has not yet been announced.

Frederick told Anna-Lysa Gayle on WHUT having homecoming on campus would put too many people at risk.

“You can’t put African Americans at risk, by bringing them into those environments, because all of those … who attend those events are younger people. We have alum[ni] who are in the risk category and then those younger people have to go back home to places where their grandparents are going to be,” he said.

Large gatherings will continue to be prohibited and all students at the university will be required to complete a COVID-19 test within (7) seven days before arriving on campus, and will be given personal protective equipment, such as face coverings and sanitizer.

” Consistent with social distancing, we have temporarily paused live events on campus. Gatherings of more than 50 people are not permitted in DC during Phase 2 of the District’s re-opening. Our current planning assumes gathering limits will continue to be in effect through the fall semester. A draft list of events and activities, and current guidance are in the following tables. “