Protesting Students Weigh Actions Against University's Recognition of Homeland Security Chief Noem as Honorary Graduate
Small town, big drama - that's life at Dakota State University (DSU) right now. Nestled in rural South Dakota, the university has steered clear of student protests. But all that changed when they decided to award an honorary doctorate to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and invite her to deliver a commencement speech on May 10.
This decision brought politics to campus, igniting a firestorm of opposition among students who plan to rally on graduation day. Organizers expect protestors from across southeast South Dakota to join them. They're speaking out against Noem's immigration policies, which they feel endanger their peers' legal status, and her anti-LGBT policies from her time as South Dakota's governor.
Not everyone is thrilled about Noem's honorary degree. Some students and faculty believe it's too high an honor. As one humanities instructor put it, "The atmosphere is tense. Students are afraid of making their voices heard."
According to DSU spokesperson Andrew Sogn, Noem was chosen because she was an "unwavering champion of Dakota State" during her term as governor. She supported the university's cybersecurity initiatives and secured funding, making DSU a national leader in the field.
Interestingly, Noem's office hasn't commented on the matter. DSU President José-Marie Griffiths was the one who nominated Noem for the honorary degree, but the university declined to share details. The general faculty and student senate voted against the nomination, with only one of the 15 student senators in favor.
Not Just a Castle on the Prairie
Apart from its peaceful surroundings, DSU's student population, traditionally cautious about political stances for fear of losing job opportunities, adds to the unique dynamics of the situation.
The university's location in Madison, around an hour's drive northwest of Sioux Falls, plays a role too. Professor Emeritus Dale Droge notes, "We don't have very many students in the political sciences or history where they might be thinking about these more civil rights kind of actions."
The international student population, a significant part of DSU, is also wrestling with the decision to participate in the protests. Hundreds of these students haven't yet been affected by recent DHS actions, and some are worried they could lose their visas if they get involved.
A Divided Campus
"There is a fear among a lot of the international student body on speaking on this matter, just a result of the current political climate," said Tyler Sprik, a freshman and student senator. Faculty members share similar apprehensions about publicly expressing their opinions, with some claiming that the administration discourages them from speaking to media and joining student rallies.
Some faculty members also expressed concern that a high-profile figure at commencement might overshadow the graduates. Yet, despite the controversy, many students are preparing for the rally, with one student senator stating, "The students' attitude is clear. No honor for Noem. Give commencement back to the graduates and listen to us."
References:[1] Reference omitted due to length limitations. The aforementioned article offered insights into student protests at other colleges.
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- The controversy surrounding Dakota State University (DSU)'s decision to award an honorary degree to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and invite her to deliver a commencement speech has brought politics, education, and self-development to the forefront of general news.
- In the rural town of Madison, South Dakota, where DSU is located, the traditionally cautious student population, concerned about potential job opportunities, now finds itself at the center of a divisive climate on campus.
- The university's politics have also extended to education, with students and faculty expressing various opinions about Noem's honorary degree, immigration policies, and anti-LGBT policies.
- Amidst this climate, some faculty members have shared apprehensions about openly expressing their opinions, with allegations suggesting that the administration discourages them from speaking to media and joining student rallies.
- Seattle, being a hub for education and politics, has caught wind of the ongoing drama at DSU, as protests against Noem's appearance at the commencement are expected to draw participants from across southeast South Dakota, reflecting a broader division in the nation's opinions.
