Harvard University has announced that it will no longer host or fund graduation celebrations for Black students or other affinity groups amid threats of funding cuts from the Department of Education over DEI.
On Monday (April 28), university officials sent an email to student affinity groups, stating that they would no longer receive “funding, staffing, or spaces for affinity celebrations,” per the Harvard Crimson.
“Harvard remains committed to building a community where individuals who bring a broad array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together to learn, grow, and thrive, and equally committed to complying with the law,” University spokesperson Jason A. Newton said in a statement.
“We stand ready to address questions or concerns you may have during this transition,” the email read.
The graduation change comes after the DOE threatened to pull federal funding from schools that didn’t comply with Trump’s mandate to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Harvard University President Alan M. Garber previously said the university was declining to comply with the demands amid continued threats from the Education Department.
The university previously hosted 10 graduations for student affinity groups, including for Arab, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, first-generation, low-income, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Desi graduates.
In response to Harvard pulling funding, the Black Alumni Society launched an emergency fundraising campaign with a goal of $50,000 to support the 2025 Black graduation.
“This is unfortunate news, but HBAS will continue to focus its energy and resources on safeguarding the Black student experience,” the organization said in an email to alumni. “Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly empower current students and ensure these vital aspects of their Harvard journey remain intact.”
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