More than Pomp & Circumstance

The Simple Act of Showing Up is a Form of Academic Resistance

This past week, I heard from an acquaintance whose office was shuttered in the fallout from anti-DEI executive orders. Another colleague shared that they’ve lost federal funding. Yet another is searching for a new home-not just for their research, but for their trans child, too.

If this commencement season feels different, these examples in my circle may provide some insight. Indeed, the joy of commencement may be tempered by the realities of the daily attacks on HigherEd. That’s precisely why it’s more important than ever for faculty, staff, and students to show up at commencement - front and center.