Kent State’s 47th annual May 4 Commemoration is relocating to the Student Center Ballroom Thursday due to inclement weather, according to May 4 Task Force President Brandon Mallon.

Board members made the decision Tuesday afternoon as weather reports indicate there will be a high chance of rain during the event.

“(We are not taking a chance) because I don’t think there is much chance involved,” Mallon said. “There has nearly been a 100 percent chance for rain on (May 4) for over a week now. We just don’t want anyone to get rained on. It shouldn’t alter the schedule for the event at all.”

The ceremony, which is typically held outside near the Victory Bell, is a yearly gathering of the university community to remember those who were lost and injured during the May 4, 1970 shootings.

It will still take place between noon and 2 p.m. with keynote speaker Lecia Brooks, the outreach director of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Other events are scheduled to take place on Wednesday and Thursday, including an early premiere of a May 4-centered episode of CNN’s new series “Soundtracks: Songs that Defined History” in the Kiva on Wednesday at 9 p.m.

The May 4 Visitors Center will reopen this week as Taylor Hall continues renovations, hosting special hours Monday through Friday.

Rachel Duthie is the student life reporter, contact her at [email protected].