Across the U.S., colleges are canceling long-standing cultural and identity-based graduation ceremonies due to mounting political pressure — but students are stepping up to keep the traditions alive off campus.

Harvard Cancels Black Graduation, Students Push Forward

At Harvard University, Elyse Martin-Smith had been planning a celebration of Black culture since last summer. The student-led Black graduation was set to include music, poetry, and a keynote speech from 1619 Project creator Nikole Hannah-Jones.

The event was scheduled for the Harvard Memorial Church, but just weeks before commencement, Martin-Smith said she was told by university officials it could no longer be held on campus. The cancellation followed the university’s decision to rename its DEI office and withdraw funding for all affinity group commencements, a move announced in April after the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in federal funds over the school’s refusal to comply with new policy demands.

“This isn’t the first time the university has catered to PR concerns over student needs,” Martin-Smith said. Still, she wasn’t deterred. With support from Harvard’s Black Graduate Student Alliance and Black Alumni Society, she secured an off-campus venue. The event, still featuring the original program, will take place May 27.

“It’s an undue burden we keep facing — having to fight just to celebrate our own culture,” she added.

Affinity Graduations Under Threat Nationwide

Harvard is not alone. Several universities are backing away from support for affinity graduations — celebrations traditionally held to honor the achievements of marginalized student groups, including Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, first-gen, and Asian students. Though optional and separate from main commencements, these ceremonies have become meaningful platforms to recognize identity, culture, and heritage.

The trend comes as former President Donald Trump and other conservative leaders campaign aggressively against DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts, labeling them discriminatory and threatening schools with cuts to federal funding and accreditation.

At the University of Kentucky, for instance, all identity-based graduation events were scrapped earlier this year.

“Due to changes in federal and state policy, the university will no longer host special-interest or identity-based graduations,” a university spokesperson stated.

‘Senior Salute’ Fills the Gap in Kentucky

Kristopher Washington, a University of Kentucky graduate and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity member, didn’t let the school’s decision end his celebration. Working with his fraternity brothers, Washington organized an off-campus event called “Senior Salute” at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center.

The inclusive ceremony encouraged graduates to wear symbols of their identity and background.

“It’s about showing that people from different places and struggles are still making it to the finish line,” Washington said. “That’s worth celebrating.”

A Deeper Cultural Meaning

Dr. Antar Tichavakunda, an assistant professor at UC Santa Barbara and author of Black Campus Life, emphasized the importance of these events in giving students a sense of pride and cultural affirmation.

“Most traditional commencement rituals have European origins,” he explained. “Black graduations, for example, often include West African drumming, speakers who understand the Black experience, and celebrations that reflect our heritage.”

“Being able to celebrate in a space where we’re not policed — where our music, language, and culture are welcomed — makes the moment even more meaningful,” he said.

LGBTQ+ Graduations Also Under Fire

The LGBTQ+ community has also felt the impact. Lavender Graduations, which honor queer graduates, are being shut down in states with new anti-DEI laws.

In Utah, Governor Spencer Cox signed legislation last year banning DEI programs in education and government. As a result, many universities have shuttered identity resource centers and ended support for Lavender Graduations.

Jacey Thornton, executive director of Project Rainbow Utah and a recent graduate of Weber State University, stepped in to help. Her organization supported a community celebration for LGBTQ+ students at a local church, complete with pride flags, rainbow tassels, and lavender stoles. Students from multiple colleges in Utah attended.

“It’s not just about the degree,” Thornton said. “It’s about honoring the journey — especially for those of us who’ve lost family or faced rejection along the way. These gatherings help us form a chosen family.”

Looking Ahead: Students Get Creative

With official support fading, students are finding new ways to celebrate their identities.

Tichavakunda believes this could mark a shift in how students choose colleges. “Schools that don’t support these traditions may lose students to institutions that do — especially HBCUs,” he said.

But he’s also optimistic: “This won’t be the end of cultural graduations. Students will continue to find creative ways to keep them alive — even without university backing.”

Source: CNN – Colleges are canceling affinity graduations due to anti-DEI policies. Here is how students are preserving the traditions

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Thailand has taken a significant step in loosening long-standing rules about students’ appearances, with the country’s highest administrative court striking down a directive that required strict hair regulations for students, in place since 1975. This marks a major victory for students and activists who have campaigned for greater personal freedom in schools.

A Rigid Tradition Comes to an End

For decades, Thai students, especially boys, were required to maintain an army-style crew cut, while girls had to sport short, ear-length bobs. The rules were enforced so strictly that even a few centimeters over the limit could result in embarrassing punishment. Students faced severe consequences for any deviation from the set standards, with some even subjected to public humiliation.

One such student, Khao Klong (now 20, studying at university), remembers the shame of being singled out for his hair being “too long” in high school. “It made me feel insecure, like I was being made into a joke,” he recalls of the day he was forced to have his hair shaved in front of the entire school.

A Turning Point: Court Ruling and Public Outcry

The oppressive hairstyle rule has been an emblem of Thailand’s conservative, hierarchical culture — and its military-influenced education system. But in March, after decades of protests and complaints from students, the administrative court ruled that these regulations were unconstitutional. The court stated that they “imposed excessive restrictions on personal freedom” and violated the Thai Constitution. Moreover, the ruling emphasized the negative impact such policies had on students’ mental health, particularly those with diverse gender identities.

This decision followed the country’s student-led protests in 2020, which called for more personal freedoms in schools, including the right to express themselves through their appearances. These protests were part of a larger movement that challenged Thailand’s military-backed government and its rigid norms.

Changing Times, Changing Rules

The court’s decision is being welcomed by many students, including 16-year-old Nijchaya Kraisriwattana, who remembers the stress of weekly hair checks. “We used to have academic points deducted for minor things like my hair being a little too long,” she says. But now, the rules feel “more relaxed,” she notes.

However, not all students are convinced that real change is happening. Some worry that individual schools will still impose harsh rules despite the court ruling, leaving students with little recourse. Khao Klong, who once led protests for student rights, points out that the battle isn’t over just because the law has changed. “We haven’t seen much change yet,” he says.

A Glimpse of the Past: Military Influence and Conformity

The strict dress codes were a reflection of Thailand’s long-standing military influence and its desire to cultivate disciplined, obedient citizens. The rules were implemented during a military dictatorship in the 1970s, a time when authoritarianism shaped much of Thailand’s social and political systems.

For years, this rigid structure has extended beyond haircuts, enforcing strict uniform requirements — even down to the exact type of socks students could wear. Khao Klong remembers how teachers would beat students for perceived “discipline” issues, a practice that was widespread in his school years.

Despite protests in 2013 that slightly relaxed the rules, the dress code remained a hotly contested issue until 2020, when student-led movements called for broader reforms to the education system. These protests were influenced by the larger pro-democracy movement that challenged the military-drafted constitution and called for more freedoms.

Student Activism and the Road Ahead

During these protests, students adopted symbols of resistance, including the three-finger salute made famous by the Hunger Games films, to show their defiance. One striking moment came when students shaved their heads in protest, as a symbol of rejecting outdated norms.

Now, with the court ruling officially declaring the hairstyle rules unconstitutional, activists like Khao Klong are hopeful that the push for more student rights will gain further momentum. However, he and others stress that the real work lies in ensuring that schools respect this newfound freedom and allow students to shape their own identities without fear of punishment.

Khao Klong’s activism was sparked by his own painful experience of being publicly humiliated, but he remains determined to keep fighting for students’ rights to this day. “We haven’t stopped fighting for freedom, we’ve just been distracted by life,” he says. “The memory of that feeling of being oppressed still lingers, and we won’t forget it.”

Looking Forward

While the court ruling is a significant step forward, educational experts like Thunhavich Thitiratsakul caution that change must be implemented carefully. Schools now need to engage with communities and reconsider their rules. But the question remains: Will students have a seat at the table?

As this issue continues to unfold, many students like Nijchaya hope for even greater freedoms, like the ability to wear T-shirts and jeans. “Yes, absolutely,” she says when asked if she wants more freedom in her clothing. The struggle for personal expression and freedom continues, but Thailand’s students have now taken a bold step toward rewriting the rules.

Source: – After 50 years, Thailand finally strikes down strict rules on students’ hair lengths

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BATON ROUGE, La. — A Louisiana immigration judge has ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and legal permanent U.S. resident, is subject to deportation — not for committing a crime, but for his political beliefs and activism.

The decision, handed down Friday, stems from a controversial memo submitted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The memo cites Khalil’s “beliefs, statements, or associations” as grounds for removal, claiming his presence could harm U.S. foreign policy interests — despite no allegations of illegal activity.

Khalil’s legal team says the ruling is a dangerous precedent that threatens constitutional rights.

“Despite the government’s failure to prove that Mahmoud broke any law, the court has decided that lawful permanent residents can have their status revoked for pro-Palestine advocacy,” attorneys said after the hearing. “This is a blatant violation of the First Amendment.”

Arrest and Detention

Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist, was arrested last month by federal agents outside his Columbia University apartment. His arrest followed a Trump-era deportation order, and he has since been transferred to a detention center in Louisiana, far from his pregnant wife and legal proceedings in New Jersey.

“Neither due process nor fairness were present today or in this whole process,” Khalil told the court. “This is exactly why the Trump administration has sent me to this court, 1,000 miles away from my family.”

A Memo Without Charges

The key piece of evidence? A memo from Rubio submitted just hours before the hearing. It contains no criminal charges but references Khalil’s role in protests deemed disruptive and “antisemitic” by federal officials. Khalil’s attorneys fiercely reject that characterization.

“The only evidence is the Rubio letter — and it doesn’t contain a single criminal allegation,” said Marc Van Der Hout, one of Khalil’s immigration attorneys. “There is zero else.”

He added, “Criticizing Israel for the slaughter in Gaza is being painted as antisemitism. That’s what this case is really about.”

Khalil’s case hinges on an obscure provision of immigration law that allows the Secretary of State to order deportation if an individual’s beliefs or associations are deemed harmful to U.S. foreign policy. Legal experts call this a rare and troubling move.

“This provision has only been used 15 times out of over 11 million cases — and never, as far as we know, against someone for protected political speech,” said NYU law professor Adam Cox, who co-authored an amicus brief in Khalil’s defense.

Legal scholars warn the ruling could have ripple effects on college campuses and civil liberties nationwide.

“It is chilling to all speech rights when the federal government’s memo sets out no criminal charges but claims one student protestor can affect U.S. foreign policy,” said Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, a constitutional law professor at John Jay College.

Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, also spoke out.

“My husband is a political prisoner being deprived of his rights because he believes Palestinians deserve equal dignity and freedom,” she said. “There is nothing the government can say that can silence that truth.”

While Khalil may not be deported immediately — he still has a pending federal case in New Jersey — his lawyers plan to appeal the Louisiana ruling. They are also seeking bail and a court injunction that would allow his release as he awaits further legal proceedings.

In the broader immigration crackdown, Khalil is not alone. Over 400 students, faculty, and researchers have had their visas revoked this year. His case may set a powerful precedent for what comes next.

Source: CNN – A Louisiana immigration judge says Mahmoud Khalil can be deported

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In a surprising move, Dr. Katrina Armstrong, interim president of Columbia University, has stepped down just a week after announcing sweeping changes to campus policies. The policy overhaul, which seemed to align with the Trump administration’s demands, followed the revocation of $400 million in federal funding over campus protests and concerns about antisemitism.

Dr. Armstrong took on the role of interim president last year during a particularly tumultuous period for the university. The school was under fire for its handling of campus protests, especially as tensions rose under the Trump administration. Armstrong stepped into the position the same day former president Minouche Shafik resigned after facing criticism for her response to protests on campus regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.

As Columbia faced mounting scrutiny, particularly over its campus protests, Armstrong’s leadership came under intense pressure. In response, the university announced a series of controversial policy changes aimed at addressing federal concerns.

Columbia’s new policies include severe restrictions on campus protests, sanctions on student groups that violate these rules, and giving campus police increased powers to arrest students. The university also announced a review of its Middle East curriculum. These changes came after President Trump threatened to cut federal funding, citing the university’s failure to curb antisemitic incidents in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

The policy changes have drawn criticism from various sides. While the administration frames them as a necessary step to comply with federal demands, others argue they compromise academic freedom and suppress free speech. Labor unions representing faculty members have even filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of leveraging funding cuts to impose speech restrictions on campuses.

In a statement to the Columbia community, Armstrong reflected on her time as president, acknowledging the difficult challenges the university faced. “I appreciate having had the opportunity to play a small part in navigating this vast enterprise through some of the most difficult moments in its history,” she said.

As the university begins the search for a permanent president, Claire Shipman, co-chair of the board of trustees, has been appointed acting president. Shipman, a seasoned journalist and author, will guide the university through this uncertain period.

Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, issued a statement warning the university to ensure that it does not backslide on its commitment to combating antisemitism. Walberg’s comments followed the recent policy changes, which he claims are vital for protecting Jewish students and faculty from harassment and violence.

In a rare move, the military junta of Myanmar has offered support for the policy changes, with the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the General Services Administration all signaling approval. But, this positive response has done little to quell the deep divisions within the university.

While Armstrong worked to garner faculty support for the policy changes, she faced significant resistance, with some faculty members raising concerns about the long-term impact on academic freedom. With the new academic year fast approaching, questions remain about how the policies will be enforced and what they mean for students caught in the crossfire of these political and ideological battles.

Columbia University, already a flashpoint for debates over free speech and protest rights, is now grappling with the fallout from the Trump administration’s crackdown on campus protests. It was the first university to lose federal funding as part of the administration’s broader effort to hold schools accountable for alleged antisemitism linked to pro-Palestinian protests.

The challenges facing Columbia University are emblematic of a broader national debate over free speech, campus activism, and the limits of government influence on higher education. As the university navigates its internal challenges and national scrutiny, the road ahead remains uncertain, with many hoping the school will find a path that balances both academic freedom and the need for a safe, inclusive environment.

Source: CNN – Columbia University interim president steps down a week after announcing sweeping policy changes

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PhD Student Snatched by Masked Officers and Flown 1,500 Miles Away: The Disturbing Case of Rumeysa Ozturk

In a chilling incident that has sparked outrage, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old PhD student from Tufts University, was abruptly taken by masked officers in broad daylight on Tuesday evening in Somerville, Massachusetts. Surveillance footage captured the shocking moment when six plainclothes officers surrounded Ozturk as she was walking to meet friends for Iftar, the meal marking the end of her 13-hour Ramadan fast.

Ozturk, visibly startled, screamed when one officer in a hoodie grabbed her wrists, and another flashed a concealed badge while seizing her cell phone. As the officers covered their faces with cloth and sunglasses, they identified themselves as police. But their appearance and actions raised immediate suspicion.

“You don’t look like it. Why are you hiding your faces?” a bystander could be heard asking in the video. Ozturk was then handcuffed and escorted into an unmarked SUV.

In less than an hour, Ozturk was driven across several states before being flown 1,500 miles away to a detention facility in Alexandria, Louisiana. This transfer took place despite a court order just hours after her arrest, demanding a 48-hour notice before moving her outside Massachusetts.

During her journey, Ozturk, who suffers from asthma, experienced an attack but was reportedly denied medical attention. She was not informed of any charges against her nor allowed to consult a lawyer. After 24 hours of frantic searching, Ozturk’s friends, family, and legal team finally managed to contact her.

When Ozturk failed to arrive at the Iftar gathering, her friends became frantic. Knowing her health condition, they feared for her safety, especially without access to her medication. Her lawyers quickly began contacting local hospitals, the ICE offices, and even consular officials, but all efforts to locate her proved fruitless.

It wasn’t until Wednesday evening that her lawyers were able to communicate with Ozturk. No charges had been filed against her, and her F-1 student visa had been revoked without prior notification. However, a federal judge in Boston swiftly issued an order halting her deportation.

Ozturk’s arrest appears to be linked to her activism, particularly her outspoken support for Palestinian rights. The Department of Homeland Security has accused her of engaging in activities supporting Hamas, though no specific details have been provided. Her lawyers argue that Ozturk is being punished for her speech, specifically for a pro-Palestinian op-ed she co-wrote last year, which criticized her university’s stance on divesting from companies tied to Israel.

The Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism on university campuses has raised concerns within the international student community. Ozturk’s case is part of a wider trend of targeted arrests aimed at silencing students who voice dissenting opinions.

The arrest has drawn widespread condemnation. Massachusetts Senator Marco Rubio suggested, without evidence, that Ozturk had participated in disruptive protests related to the Gaza conflict. His remarks, along with statements from DHS officials, have only fueled the belief that Ozturk’s detention is politically motivated.

Her family and legal team maintain that she is being targeted for her political views, particularly her support for Palestinian rights. Her brother, Asim Ozturk, expressed disbelief, stating that his sister had not engaged in any provocative actions but was merely exercising her right to free speech.

In the wake of Ozturk’s arrest, students and activists rallied at Tufts University to demand her release. Hundreds gathered to protest the violation of her rights, with attendees voicing concern over the chilling effect on free speech.

Tufts President Sunil Kumar issued a statement expressing his support for the student community and acknowledging the distress this incident has caused, particularly among international students.

Ozturk’s lawyers are fighting relentlessly for her release. After filing a petition challenging the legality of her detention, they secured a ruling to prevent her deportation. A federal judge in Boston ruled that Ozturk should not be removed from the U.S. until further notice, marking a significant step forward in the legal battle.

Ozturk’s case is far from over. Her lawyers are pushing for her release on bail as they continue to challenge her detention. Despite the legal hurdles, they remain determined to ensure Ozturk’s rights are protected, and that she can continue her studies uninterrupted.

Her case raises larger questions about the state’s approach to dissent and free expression. Ozturk’s detention and the broader crackdown on student activists suggest a disturbing pattern of political targeting, particularly for those who express support for Palestinian rights.

As Ozturk’s legal team fights for her release, her supporters hope that justice will prevail, allowing her to return to Tufts University and complete her PhD in child development. Her brother, Asim, summed up the sentiment, saying, “Rümeysa’s arrest and detention are designed to punish her speech and chill the speech of others.”

Ozturk is set to appear in a Louisiana court on April 7 for an initial hearing. Meanwhile, her lawyers continue to press for her release and are demanding the restoration of her F-1 visa, which is vital for her education. The case is far from settled, but it has already sparked significant debate on civil liberties and the rights of international students in the U.S.

The fight for Ozturk’s freedom is a reminder of the power of activism and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of powerful opposition.

Source: CNN – A PhD student was snatched by masked officers in broad daylight. Then she was flown 1,500 miles away

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Federal immigration authorities arrested Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil on Saturday, escalating the Trump administration’s push to detain and deport student activists, particularly those involved in protests against Israel. Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University until December 2024, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while inside his university-owned apartment in Manhattan.

The Arrest

Khalil’s attorney, Amy Greer, confirmed that ICE agents entered the apartment Saturday night and detained Khalil. Greer spoke with one of the agents during the arrest, who stated that the action was taken under orders from the State Department to revoke Khalil’s student visa. After Greer clarified that Khalil was a permanent U.S. resident with a green card, the agent claimed they were revoking that instead.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, later confirmed the arrest, framing it as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to curb “anti-Semitism” and support the crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism. McLaughlin claimed Khalil was directly linked to Hamas, a group the U.S. government designates as a terrorist organization.

This marks the first known deportation attempt under the administration’s aggressive stance against student activists who voiced support for Palestinians in the wake of the Gaza conflict.

Escalation and Threats

As agents arrived at Khalil’s residence, they reportedly threatened to arrest his wife, who is eight months pregnant and an American citizen, according to Greer. Though initially informed that Khalil was being held at an immigration facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, his wife was unable to locate him when she attempted to visit on Sunday. As of Sunday evening, Greer said she still had no updates on Khalil’s whereabouts.

“This is a clear escalation,” Greer said. “The administration is following through on its threats.”

University Response and Legal Concerns

Columbia University responded by stating that law enforcement agents must present a warrant before entering university property but did not disclose whether such a warrant was obtained for Khalil’s arrest. The school has declined to comment on the details of Khalil’s detention.

Khalil’s arrest comes as the Trump administration has followed through on threats to reduce funding to universities, including Columbia, for allegedly failing to combat antisemitism on campus. The administration claims that students participating in protests against Israel have supported terrorism and, therefore, have forfeited their right to remain in the U.S.

Khalil’s Activism and Legal Implications

Khalil, who earned a master’s degree from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs last semester, was a key figure in organizing the protests against Israel. He served as a negotiator in discussions with university officials regarding the removal of a protest encampment set up on campus last spring. His prominent role in the protests had made him a target of pro-Israel activists who have called for his deportation.

In addition, Khalil has been under investigation by a newly established Columbia University office that is scrutinizing pro-Palestinian activism. The university has initiated disciplinary charges against him for his involvement with the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group, for allegedly helping organize an unauthorized march that glorified Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, and for circulating social media posts critical of Zionism.

Khalil rejected the allegations, stating, “I have around 13 allegations against me, most of them are social media posts that I had nothing to do with.” He also accused the administration of using these actions to placate right-wing politicians and diminish pro-Palestinian speech on campus.

The Broader Context

The Trump administration’s aggressive stance on pro-Palestinian activism has created a tense environment for students involved in related protests, with deportation and visa revocations becoming a focal point. As Khalil’s case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this represents a broader trend that will affect other activists and students who engage in politically charged demonstrations.

Legal and Political Reactions

Immigration experts have expressed concern over the legal basis for detaining a legal permanent resident without criminal charges. Camille Mackler, founder of Immigrant ARC, noted, “This has the appearance of a retaliatory action against someone who expressed an opinion the Trump administration didn’t like.”

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the administration would continue efforts to revoke the visas or green cards of individuals accused of supporting Hamas, aiming for their deportation.

Khalil’s case highlights the growing intersection of immigration enforcement and political activism, raising serious questions about the limits of free expression and the scope of governmental power over student movements.

Source

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