The University of Minnesota says it will no longer rent facilities on its Twin Cities campus for high school graduation ceremonies, a change that has left many area school districts searching for new venues for next spring’s ceremonies.

The university informed districts of its decision on Tuesday.

“Hosting more than 20 outside events with thousands of attendees over a two-week period represents a significant strain on the University’s limited resources that is no longer sustainable,” the U of M said in a subsequent statement provided to MPR News. “The University is committed to doing what it can to ensure a smooth transition for area high schools.”

U of M officials said they “remain focused on our students, safety for all, operations, and core mission at a time when higher education is

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