In Phoenix, a first-generation university student, Austin Kissinger, was eager to participate in a significant graduation event alongside peers with similar stories at the University of Kentucky. Such students traditionally choose a faculty member to join them in a unique ceremony, celebrating their community and achievements. This customary event, however, was canceled this month by the university, along with ceremonies for Black and LGBTQ+ students, due to pressure from the Trump administration to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Affected student groups organized an independent celebration off-campus, yet Kissinger expressed disappointment and a sense of neglect following the abrupt change. “It feels like our opportunity to celebrate who we are is being taken away,” said Kissinger, who leads the university’s First Generation Student Organization. “We are not given the chance to fully represent our university experiences.”
The Trump administration’s push to abolish programs differentiating students by race has intensified scrutiny on affinity graduation ceremonies. Traditionally, these events have fostered community and recognized the distinct journeys of underrepresented students. Despite this political climate, many colleges across the nation will maintain their usual celebrations, asserting they align with new directives.
However, other institutions, including Harvard University, are scaling back support in response to federal demands. While engaged in legal battles with the administration over campus activism and diversity initiatives, Harvard informed students of its withdrawal of funding, staff, and space for similar celebrations, as reported by the Harvard Crimson.
At the University of Kentucky, spokesperson Jay Blanton emphasized that the main commencement accounts for all students. The university eliminated other ceremonies to adhere to “the law as interpreted by the administration.” Blanton reiterated the institution’s dedication to student success while also acknowledging their responsibility to abide by the law.
Throughout the nation, universities are increasingly pressed to align with the federal policy agenda. This follows the Trump administration freezing substantial grant funds for schools, including Harvard and Columbia University, citing insufficient measures against antisemitism.
In February, the Education Department issued guidance urging colleges to detach from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They cited a 2023 Supreme Court ruling forbidding racial preferences in admissions, which they argued also pertains to hiring, scholarships, and graduation events, claiming it prevents discrimination against students, particularly white and Asian Americans.
Many affinity practices trace back to segregation eras, but today, organizers uphold them as ways to honor the achievements of diverse groups historically marginalized. Additionally, numerous institutions hold “Lavender graduations” for LGBTQ+ students, acknowledging times when family support was often absent.
Kissinger highlighted that first-generation students might frequently feel out of place or isolated, and the canceled ceremony was meant as a celebration of overcoming barriers. At the University of Kentucky, he recounts a personal struggle to navigate his academic journey without guidance.
As some ceremonies are canceled, alternative traditions emerge
Maricopa County Community Colleges in Arizona halted its cultural and special convocation events, attributing the decision to compliance with U.S. Education Department directives. In a supportive gesture, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community organized a ceremony for American Indian graduates.
“We are disheartened by the cessation of minority convocation ceremonies, yet we believe in uniting to honor our graduates and their families,” remarked community President Martin Harvier in a statement.
Meanwhile, former Ohio University student Aaron Thomas took action for the conservation of Black alumni weekend, previously scrapped due to state-level DEI prohibitions, resonating with federal instructions. Thomas planned the weekend festivities with the help of local authorities, nonprofits, and businesses after the event’s cancellation.
California State University, Long Beach, is among those with upcoming affinity ceremonies. They include events for Pacific Islander and Cambodian students, aligning with federal rules as they remain open to all. “Our students eagerly await these inclusive celebrations,” said spokesperson Jim Milbury.
Their website statement acknowledges federal immigration policy changes, cautioning of potential visits from enforcement agencies to higher education institutions, although no visits are planned currently.