Colleges are canceling affinity graduations due to anti-DEI

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Last summer, Elyse Martin-Smith started having meetings with her Harvard University classmates to organize the yearly Black student graduation that is organized by a club she leads on campus.With musicians, poetry readings, speeches by Nikole Hannah-Jones, the founder of the “1619 Project,” and messages about the historic fight for racial equality, the ceremony was expected to be a celebration of Black culture, according to Martin-Smith.
Colleges are canceling affinity graduations due to anti-DEI policies. Here is how students are preserving the traditions

Harvard and the University of Kentucky illustrates a growing nationwide impact of federal and state-level crackdowns on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

🔍 Key Highlights

🏛️ What Happened at Harvard

  • Black Graduation Canceled: Students planned to hold the event at Harvard Memorial Church.

  • Notification in Early May: Harvard told student organizer Elyse Martin-Smith the event could no longer be hosted on campus.

  • Why?: In April, Harvard cut all funding for affinity graduations after the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in research funds, demanding an end to DEI practices.

  • Alternative Plan: Martin-Smith, with support from the Black Graduate Student Alliance and the Harvard Black Alumni Society, secured an off-campus venue. The graduation will proceed on May 27.

📍 Similar Stories Elsewhere

University of Kentucky:

  • Also canceled all identity-based graduation celebrations due to “federal and state policy changes.”

  • Graduate Kristopher Washington and his fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha hosted an off-campus ceremony called Senior Salute at Lexington’s Lyric Theatre.

Utah (University of Utah, Weber State, etc.):

  • After a state DEI ban, Lavender Graduations (for LGBTQ+ students) were canceled.

  • Project Rainbow Utah, a nonprofit, stepped in to organize alternative ceremonies at community venues like churches.

  • Students wore traditional regalia including lavender stoles and rainbow tassels, and pride flags were prominently displayed.

🎓 Why Affinity Graduations Matter

  • These are optional, student-led ceremonies celebrating marginalized identities (Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, etc.).

  • They provide culturally affirming spaces with traditions like:

    • West African drums

    • Black Greek-letter fraternity/sorority strolls

    • Speakers who reflect students’ experiences

  • They allow students to celebrate without censoring their identity.

“Giving us a space to celebrate… play music that feels more affirming… really makes that moment of completing a degree that much sweeter.”
— Antar Tichavakunda, UC Santa Barbara professor and author of Black Campus Life

💬 Reactions and Future Outlook

  • Students say the cancellations show a disregard for the cultural needs and emotional well-being of diverse student populations.

  • DEI critics like former President Donald Trump argue these events are divisive or discriminatory, pushing legal and financial threats.

  • Experts warn: Universities’ withdrawal of support sends a message to prospective students about institutional values.

    • Tichavakunda recommends that students looking for affirming spaces should consider HBCUs or other identity-affirming institutions.

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