Campus Reform | Dozens of universities host segregated graduation ceremonies based on ‘identities’
More than three dozen colleges and universities are hosting 2022 graduation events to recognize minorities based on race, gender, or sexual orientation.
Groups who qualify for receiving a special graduation ceremony include Black, Latino, Asian, American Indian, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
At some universities, multiple graduations are held to accommodate numerous groups.
For example, California Polytechnic State University has an extensive list of minority-centered graduation ceremonies. Events are held for Native Americans, Jews, Asians, LGBTQ+, disabled, Chicanx/Latinx , African-Americans, and Southwest Asian Northwest Africans.
The university’s website advertises an event titled Monarch Commencement Ceremony, which recognizes and uplifts the accomplishments and success of undocumented students.
The list also states that the “Black Commencement Ceremony” will feature [d]istinguished speakers, special student awards, live performances, and the tradition of wearing Kente cloth stoles hand-woven from Africa, all add to the vibrancy.
At similar celebrations, such as one being held this year at the University of California Davis, graduates are presented with a Kente stole. This is a type of graduation scarf that features a traditional West African pattern.
But not a thing for Atlantic Islanders, I note, who remain disgracefully discriminated against.