Colleges are canceling affinity graduations due to anti-DEI policies. Here is how students are preserving the traditions

[sheshe2]

Elyse Martin-Smith began meeting with her classmates at Harvard University last summer to plan the annual Black student graduation hosted by a campus group she leads.

The ceremony was set to be a celebration of Black culture, featuring musicians, poetry readings, messages about the historic struggle for racial equality, and a speech by Nikole Hannah-Jones, the creator of the “1619 Project,” Martin-Smith said.

Students had reserved Harvard Memorial Church on campus for the event, she said.

But in early May, Martin-Smith said she received an email from university officials saying she would not be allowed to host the Black graduation on campus.

Harvard is among several universities across the country that have canceled affinity graduations amid threats from President Donald Trump to block medical research funding and revoke accreditation from schools that don’t end diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Trump decries these programs as “illegal and immoral discrimination.”



https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/24/us/affinity-graduation-college-dei-trump?cid=ios_app

[yardwork]

1. So much for freedom of speech.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. By this criteria all groups will become illegal

No meetings of ethnic groups. No scientist groups. Ancient Order of Hibernians? Kaput.

[wcmagumba]

3. Disgusting, find a nearby location off campus and tell the "Hahvard" admin to go Eff itself...cowards...

[sheshe2]

4. They did...

She ultimately found a venue and obtained support from the Black Graduate Student Alliance and the Harvard Black Alumni Society. The event will be held on May 27 and will still feature a similar program to the initial event, Martin-Smith said.

“It’s an undue burden that continues to be placed upon Black students to create the change that we want to see,” Martin-Smith said.

[wcmagumba]

5. Great news, I'm an old white guy who wants freedom of speech for all...

[sheshe2]

6. I hear you!