Columbia University is planning on holding six separate graduation ceremonies based on student’s race and income levels.
The school’s website lists six different ceremonies for students who identify with certain minority groups, such as Native, Black, “Latinx”, and Asian. The school also hosts “Lavendar” graduation for the “LGBTIAQ+ community.”
“In honor of Columbia’s diverse student community and complementing the school- and University-wide graduation celebrations, we are proud to also offer Multicultural Graduation Celebrations, which provide a more intimate setting for students who self-identify in a variety of ways,” says the description of the events. “These events invite community members to reflect on personal growth and community experiences that have impacted their time as students through to graduation. All students are invited to participate in these celebrations.”
Another event, called “FLI Graduation,” would provide a separate graduation for students who are “first generation and/or low income.”
In response to several stories coming out, Columbia University tweeted that these reports “misrepresent” their “multicultural graduation celebrations” and were organized “in tandem with students and student groups.”
“These events are important, intimate, and welcoming spaces for students aligned with these groups to come together to celebrate their achievements if they wish.”
Discussion about this post