Harvard and Kentucky students preserve affinity graduations amid anti-DEI policies

Elyse Martin-Smith stood at the forefront of a determined effort last summer, gathering with fellow Harvard students to plan a vibrant Black graduation ceremony. The event, organized by the Harvard Undergraduate Black Community Leaders, was meant to honor Black culture with music, poetry, and a keynote by Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of the “1619 Project.” But in early May, university officials sent an email that upended those plans, barring the event from campus. This decision, driven by new federal pressures, reflects a broader wave of restrictions impacting affinity graduations nationwide.

These optional, student-led ceremonies celebrate diverse identities, including Black, Hispanic, Asian, first-generation, and LGBTQ+ students. They weave together cultural traditions—music, attire, and historical reflections—that resonate deeply with participants. For many, these events are a cherished complement to official commencements, offering a space to honor unique journeys. Yet, as anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies gain traction, universities like Harvard and the University of Kentucky are canceling these celebrations, leaving students to find alternative ways to preserve their traditions.

• Cultural significance: Affinity graduations highlight music, food, and traditions tied to specific identities.
• Student leadership: Groups like Harvard’s Black Community Leaders drive planning and execution.
• External pressures: Federal funding threats and accreditation risks are reshaping university policies.
• Resilience: Students are securing off-campus venues to maintain these meaningful events.

The shift comes at a time when universities face complex challenges, from navigating political directives to balancing student demands. At Harvard, the cancellation of affinity graduations followed a broader policy change, including the renaming of its DEI office and the withdrawal of funding for such events. Similar decisions at other institutions signal a growing tension between institutional compliance and student advocacy, prompting creative responses from those determined to uphold their cultural celebrations.

Federal policies reshape campus traditions

Harvard’s decision to cancel affinity graduations stemmed from a direct response to federal pressures. In late April, the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in federal funding for the university, citing its initial refusal to align with anti-DEI directives. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized DEI programs as “illegal and immoral discrimination,” threatening to withhold medical research funding and revoke accreditation from non-compliant institutions. This policy shift has rippled across higher education, forcing universities to reassess programs tied to diversity and inclusion.

The impact was immediate for students like Martin-Smith, who learned just weeks before commencement that their carefully planned Black graduation could not proceed on campus. The abrupt cancellation disrupted months of preparation, including securing Harvard Memorial Church as the venue. For Martin-Smith, the decision was a familiar pattern of prioritizing public relations over student needs, a sentiment echoed by peers at other universities facing similar restrictions.

At the University of Kentucky, administrators announced earlier this year that all identity-based graduation celebrations would cease. Jay Blanton, a university spokesperson, explained that the decision aligned with federal and state policy changes, emphasizing compliance with new legal directives. While official commencements would continue to celebrate all students, the loss of affinity events left a void for those who valued the cultural specificity of these gatherings.

Student resilience in the face of cancellations

Despite the cancellations, students have shown remarkable determination to preserve their traditions. Martin-Smith, a Harvard senior, spent countless hours between finals study sessions contacting off-campus venues. Her persistence paid off when she secured a space with support from the Black Graduate Student Alliance and the Harvard Black Alumni Society. The reimagined event, set for May 27, will retain its original vision, featuring music, poetry, and reflections on Black history, ensuring the celebration remains a powerful testament to community strength.

• Venue challenges: Finding affordable, accessible spaces off-campus proved time-consuming.
• Community support: Alumni and graduate student groups provided financial and logistical aid.
• Program continuity: The event will maintain its focus on Black culture and history.
• Student burden: Organizing under tight timelines added stress during exam season.

The effort reflects a broader trend of student-led initiatives to maintain cultural graduations. At the University of Kentucky, Kristopher Washington faced a similar challenge when the university canceled its Black student graduation. A graduate and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Washington collaborated with his fraternity brothers to secure the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center in Lexington. Their event, dubbed “Senior Salute,” became a vibrant celebration of Black achievement, drawing support from local cultural organizations.

Cultural graduations as community anchors

Affinity graduations hold profound significance for students, offering a space to celebrate identities often underrepresented in traditional commencements. For Black students, these events frequently include elements like Kente cloth stoles, gospel performances, and speeches that acknowledge historical struggles and triumphs. At Harvard, the Black graduation has been a staple for years, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. Its cancellation on campus sparked disappointment but also galvanized students to protect its legacy.

Washington, reflecting on his experience at Kentucky, noted that the Black graduation was a milestone he had anticipated throughout his college years. The event’s cancellation felt like a loss of recognition for the unique challenges faced by Black students. Yet, the successful off-campus “Senior Salute” demonstrated the power of community collaboration, with the Lyric Theatre providing a fitting backdrop for cultural performances and speeches.

• Symbolic elements: Kente stoles and cultural attire are central to many ceremonies.
• Historical context: Speeches often highlight struggles for racial equality.
• Community pride: Events foster a sense of belonging for marginalized groups.

The resilience of students like Martin-Smith and Washington underscores the deep value of these traditions. By moving events off-campus, they are not only preserving cultural practices but also sending a message about the importance of self-determination in the face of institutional constraints.

Navigating logistical hurdles

Organizing off-campus graduations presents significant logistical challenges, particularly for students already stretched thin by academic demands. Martin-Smith described the process as an “undue burden,” requiring her to balance venue searches with final exams. Securing a space that could accommodate the event’s scale—complete with stage, seating, and audio equipment—was no small feat. Financial support from alumni and graduate groups proved critical, covering costs that would have otherwise been borne by students.

At Kentucky, Washington’s team faced similar hurdles. The Lyric Theatre, while supportive, required coordination for scheduling, setup, and promotion. Fraternity networks played a key role in streamlining these efforts, leveraging connections to ensure the event’s success. Both cases highlight the resourcefulness of student organizers, who tapped into community networks to overcome barriers imposed by university policies.

Broader implications for campus diversity

The cancellation of affinity graduations is part of a larger shift in higher education, as universities grapple with anti-DEI policies. At Harvard, the renaming of the DEI office signaled a broader retreat from diversity-focused programming. Other institutions, like the University of Texas at Austin, have reported struggles to maintain cultural programs under similar pressures. These changes reflect a growing tension between federal directives and the values of inclusion championed by students and faculty.

Students argue that affinity graduations are not divisive but rather a celebration of diversity within the broader university community. The events complement, rather than compete with, official commencements, offering a space for cultural expression. Their cancellation risks alienating students who see these ceremonies as vital to their college experience, potentially undermining efforts to foster inclusive campus environments.

• Policy shifts: Universities are renaming DEI offices and cutting related funding.
• Student advocacy: Groups are pushing back against perceived erosions of inclusion.
• Cultural value: Affinity events celebrate diversity without detracting from main ceremonies.

Local communities step in

As universities withdraw support, local organizations have emerged as key allies for students. In Lexington, the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center provided a welcoming space for Kentucky’s “Senior Salute,” aligning with its mission to promote cultural arts. The venue’s history of hosting community events made it an ideal partner, offering resources that ensured the event’s success. Washington noted the theatre’s enthusiasm, which helped elevate the celebration’s impact.

Similarly, Harvard’s Black Alumni Society played a pivotal role in supporting Martin-Smith’s efforts. By providing funding and guidance, the group helped bridge the gap left by the university’s withdrawal. These partnerships highlight the importance of community networks in sustaining traditions when institutional support falters, offering a model for other student groups facing similar challenges.

Preserving traditions through collaboration

The success of off-campus graduations depends heavily on collaboration between student groups, alumni, and local organizations. At Harvard, the Black Graduate Student Alliance brought additional resources to Martin-Smith’s event, ensuring its cultural elements remained intact. The involvement of Nikole Hannah-Jones, whose “1619 Project” has sparked national conversations about history, adds a layer of significance to the celebration, reinforcing its focus on racial equity.

In Kentucky, Washington’s fraternity leveraged its network to secure sponsorships and logistical support. The “Senior Salute” featured performances and speeches that resonated with attendees, creating a sense of unity. These collaborative efforts demonstrate the power of collective action in preserving traditions, even under restrictive policies.

Adapting to new realities

Students are adapting to the loss of university support with creativity and resolve. Martin-Smith’s event, while off-campus, will retain its core elements, from poetry readings to cultural performances. The shift to an external venue has also opened new possibilities, allowing for greater flexibility in programming. For instance, the event can now incorporate elements that might have been restricted by campus regulations, such as extended performances or community involvement.

Washington’s “Senior Salute” similarly benefited from its off-campus setting. The Lyric Theatre’s cultural focus aligned seamlessly with the event’s goals, creating an atmosphere that felt both celebratory and authentic. These adaptations highlight the ability of students to turn challenges into opportunities, ensuring their traditions endure despite institutional barriers.

Looking to alumni for support

Alumni networks have proven invaluable in sustaining affinity graduations. At Harvard, the Black Alumni Society’s involvement provided not only financial backing but also a sense of continuity, connecting current students with past graduates who share their values. This support has helped maintain the event’s scale and impact, ensuring it remains a highlight of the commencement season.

In Kentucky, alumni from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. offered guidance and resources, drawing on their own experiences with cultural celebrations. Their involvement underscores the long-term importance of affinity graduations, which create lasting bonds among graduates. As universities scale back support, alumni are stepping in to fill the gap, reinforcing the enduring value of these traditions.

Community spaces as cultural hubs

The role of community venues like the Lyric Theatre extends beyond logistics, positioning them as cultural hubs for student-led initiatives. These spaces offer a sense of ownership and pride, allowing students to shape events that reflect their identities. In Lexington, the theatre’s history of hosting Black cultural events made it a natural fit for the “Senior Salute,” amplifying its resonance with attendees.

Harvard’s off-campus venue, while not named publicly, serves a similar purpose, providing a space where students can express their culture freely. These community partnerships are becoming increasingly vital as universities face pressures to limit diversity programming, offering a lifeline for traditions that might otherwise fade.

Student voices drive change

At the heart of these efforts are students like Martin-Smith and Washington, whose leadership has kept affinity graduations alive. Their ability to navigate bureaucratic and logistical challenges speaks to a broader commitment to cultural preservation. By organizing events that celebrate their identities, they are not only honoring their own journeys but also setting a precedent for future generations.

The cancellations have sparked a renewed sense of purpose among student groups, who see their work as a form of resistance against restrictive policies. As they collaborate with alumni, local organizations, and each other, they are building a legacy of resilience and community, ensuring that affinity graduations remain a vibrant part of the college experience.