May 25th 2025.
As the current administration's restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives continue to limit on-campus engagement, black students and other affinity groups are finding new ways to celebrate their graduations. For years, affinity-specific graduations have been a highlight for many students across universities, but now, with the government's orders, these celebrations have been stifled, forcing graduates to adapt in order to keep their traditions alive.
Some universities, such as Harvard, have pushed back against certain rulings on federally-funded institutions. However, these directives have still had an impact on race-specific programming. In fact, Harvard recently announced that they will be stripping funding for all affinity group graduations. Despite this setback, black Harvard graduates remain determined to keep their event in place.
Like many others who support these racially-affirming events, graduates have expressed that they celebrate their cultural traditions while also acknowledging their struggles. Elyse Martin-Smith, a senior at Harvard, took matters into her own hands and, with the support of the Black Graduate Student Alliance and the Harvard Black Alumni Society, held an off-campus ceremony for her and her fellow graduates.
"It's an unnecessary burden that is constantly placed upon black students to create the change that we want to see," Martin-Smith explained to CNN.
Similarly, students at the University of Kentucky have also faced limitations on their optional celebrations, confirmed by a university spokesperson. According to the statement, the university will no longer host identity-based or special-interest graduation celebrations due to changes in federal and state policies. However, they will continue to comply with the law while celebrating all students and their unique achievements at the official commencement ceremonies.
Despite these restrictions, students are still finding ways to work around the rules. However, they must also be cautious with the naming of their events. At the University of Kentucky, students also followed in the footsteps of Harvard's black graduates and named their version a "Senior Salute."
One graduate, Kristopher Washington, shared the importance of showing that students from diverse backgrounds and struggles can still thrive and earn their degree at the University of Kentucky. "It's a tremendous achievement," he stated.
This crackdown on DEI initiatives not only affects graduates of different racial or ethnic identities but also those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Queer students have also had to find off-campus venues to celebrate their achievements within their overall community.
Despite the lack of support and resources from school administrations, students are determined to move forward and celebrate their new degrees in ways that specifically honor their heritage and community. It is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, these students will continue to persevere and celebrate their achievements.
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