Marginalized Students Fight to Preserve Affinity Graduations

honor the achievements of Black students, but it was abruptly canceled by the university due to anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. This is just one example of many colleges canceling affinity graduations, which are ceremonies honoring the achievements of specific marginalized groups. While some argue that these ceremonies further divide the student body, others believe they are an important tradition that celebrates diversity and empowers marginalized students. In response to these cancellations, students at various universities have found ways to preserve these traditions. At Harvard, Martin-Smith and her classmates organized a virtual graduation and created their own graduation sashes to wear during the university's official ceremony. Similarly, students at the University of Southern California created a virtual ceremony for their Latinx graduation after it was canceled by the university. These efforts not only allow students to celebrate their identities and achievements, but also send a message to their universities that these traditions are important and should not be disregarded. Affinity graduations have a long history and hold great significance for marginalized students. They provide a sense of community and recognition for their achievements, which may not be fully acknowledged in the larger university graduation ceremony. As colleges continue to face pushback for their anti-DEI policies, students are finding ways to reclaim and preserve their traditions. These efforts not only showcase the resilience and determination of marginalized students, but also highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in higher education. The cancelation of affinity graduations is not just a loss for these students, but also a setback in the progress towards creating a more inclusive and accepting environment on college campuses."

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