Colleges Cancel Affinity Graduations: Students Fight Back

Chloe Fitzgerald

6 min read

Post on May 27, 2025

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The Reasons Behind the Cancellations

Universities are citing various reasons for canceling affinity graduations, often intertwining legal concerns with broader institutional policy shifts. These justifications frequently center around:

• Concerns about legal challenges related to equal opportunity and non-discrimination laws: Some institutions worry that separate graduation ceremonies, even if celebratory, could be interpreted as discriminatory under Title IX and other relevant legislation. The fear is that lawsuits alleging unequal treatment could be costly and damaging to the university's reputation. This legal uncertainty forces universities to err on the side of caution, potentially at the expense of student well-being and cultural celebration.

• Internal policy changes aiming for a more unified graduation experience: A push for standardization and a singular graduation ceremony aims for greater equity, arguing that separate events create division. However, critics argue that this approach ignores the distinct needs and experiences of marginalized student groups, erasing their unique contributions and fostering a sense of exclusion. The idea of a "unified" experience often overlooks the lack of inclusivity and support existing within the main graduation event for many minority groups.

• Pressure from conservative groups claiming such events promote divisiveness: External pressure from groups opposing what they perceive as divisive identity politics influences many universities' decisions. These groups often argue that affinity graduations undermine the concept of a unified national identity and promote unnecessary separation. This viewpoint overlooks the inherently celebratory and unifying nature of these gatherings for the communities involved.

• Misunderstandings about the purpose and inclusivity of these events: Many critics misunderstand the purpose of affinity graduations. These ceremonies aren't intended to be exclusionary but rather to provide safe and affirming spaces for students from marginalized groups to celebrate their achievements within a broader context of university inclusion. These celebrations often serve as vital support systems and act as a counterbalance to the sometimes isolating experiences faced by minority groups on predominantly white campuses.

Students Respond: Organizing and Activism

Faced with the cancellation of their cherished traditions, students have responded with impressive organization and activism. Their actions demonstrate a powerful commitment to preserving spaces for cultural affirmation and community building:

• Organizing large-scale demonstrations and protests on campus: Students are staging protests, marches, and sit-ins to draw attention to the injustice and demand the reinstatement of affinity graduations. These demonstrations show the widespread support among students for these events.

• Launching online petitions garnering widespread support from alumni and community members: Online petitions have amassed significant signatures, demonstrating the broader community's concern and support for inclusive practices in higher education. These campaigns extend beyond the immediate student body to include alumni and members of the wider community.

• Using social media to raise awareness and mobilize student activists across different campuses: Social media campaigns use hashtags and shared stories to amplify student voices and connect activists across various colleges and universities. This coordinated effort underscores the national scope of this issue.

• Engaging in civil disobedience to disrupt university events and draw attention to the issue: Some student groups have employed civil disobedience tactics to highlight the importance of affinity graduations and disrupt the normal functioning of the university until their concerns are addressed.

• Seeking support from faculty, staff, and community allies: Students are building coalitions with faculty, staff members, and community organizations to create broader support for their cause and leverage institutional pressure.

The Importance of Affinity Graduations

Affinity graduations play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment. These events are far more than mere celebrations; they are essential for student well-being and academic success:

• Providing a sense of belonging and community for marginalized students: In a sometimes hostile or unwelcoming environment, these events offer a vital sense of community and belonging for students from historically marginalized groups.

• Celebrating unique cultural heritage and traditions: Affinity graduations offer opportunities to celebrate unique cultural heritage and traditions in a meaningful and celebratory way.

• Offering support networks and mentorship opportunities: These events often serve as platforms for mentorship and networking, fostering connections that can positively influence students' academic and professional journeys.

• Boosting morale and academic performance by fostering a supportive environment: A supportive environment has a proven effect on academic performance and overall well-being; this is particularly true for students from underrepresented groups who may encounter significant challenges on predominantly white campuses.

• Promoting a sense of pride and achievement among students: These ceremonies create an opportunity to celebrate student accomplishments within supportive and affirming communities.

Long-Term Implications of Cancellations

The cancellation of affinity graduations has far-reaching implications that extend beyond the immediate student body:

• The potential chilling effect on future campus activism and student expression: The cancellations can create a chilling effect, discouraging future student activism and expression concerning diversity and inclusion issues.

• Negative impact on the recruitment and retention of diverse students: Universities risk alienating potential and current students from underrepresented groups, making it more difficult to foster a diverse student body.

• Increased feelings of marginalization and exclusion among students from underrepresented groups: The decision sends a powerful message of exclusion, potentially leading to increased feelings of isolation and marginalization among students from underrepresented groups.

• Damage to the reputation of universities as inclusive and welcoming institutions: These cancellations undermine universities' efforts to project themselves as welcoming and inclusive institutions, damaging their reputation and potentially affecting future enrollment.

Conclusion

The reasons given for canceling affinity graduations are often unconvincing when weighed against the profound impact these celebrations have on student well-being and campus climate. The student-led fightback demonstrates the deep importance of these events for creating inclusive and affirming spaces in higher education. The fight to preserve affinity graduations is far from over. Students, alumni, faculty, and community members must continue to advocate for inclusive and affirming campus environments where all students feel valued and celebrated. Support student-led initiatives, contact your university administration, and raise awareness about the importance of affinity graduations in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Let's ensure that all students have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements within supportive and affirming communities. Support the fight to save affinity graduations!