Graduation: Trump crackdown on DEI cancels some college ceremonies

Apnews - May 1st, 2025
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The University of Kentucky recently canceled affinity graduation ceremonies for first-generation, Black, and LGBTQ+ students due to pressure from the Trump administration's crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Austin Kissinger, a first-generation college student and leader of the university’s First Generation Student Organization, expressed disappointment, feeling that the cancellation undermines the celebration of students' diverse achievements. Despite the university's decision, students organized an off-campus celebration to honor their community and achievements.

The decision aligns with broader national trends, as the Trump administration has scrutinized DEI initiatives in educational institutions, claiming they promote racial discrimination. This has led universities like Harvard to withdraw support for such events, despite ongoing legal battles against the administration. The implications are significant, as these ceremonies have historically provided a supportive and celebratory environment for marginalized groups. The cancellation has sparked debates about compliance with federal directives versus the importance of fostering inclusivity on campuses.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of federal DEI policy changes on university ceremonies, effectively highlighting the personal and institutional consequences. It presents a balanced view by including student experiences and university responses, though it could benefit from additional perspectives supporting the policy changes. The story is timely and relevant, engaging readers by connecting individual stories to broader policy debates. While the article's accuracy and source quality are strong, further verification of legal interpretations and more diverse sourcing could enhance its reliability. Overall, the article successfully informs readers about a significant and evolving issue in higher education, encouraging discussion and reflection on the role of diversity and inclusion in academic settings.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports on the cancellation of affinity ceremonies at the University of Kentucky, citing the Trump administration's campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. It correctly mentions the administration's push to eliminate programs treating students differently based on race, aligning with recent federal guidance. However, the article could benefit from more precise details about the specific Supreme Court decision referenced and its implications for university policies. Overall, the factual claims are consistent with known information, but further verification of specific legal interpretations would enhance accuracy.

7
Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives, including those of students affected by the cancellations and university officials explaining their compliance with federal guidance. It also provides a broader context by mentioning other universities' responses to similar pressures. However, the story could improve by including viewpoints from supporters of the Trump administration's policies to provide a more balanced representation of the debate surrounding DEI programs. The focus primarily on the negative impact of the policy changes may suggest a slight imbalance in perspective.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the complex issue of DEI policy impacts on university ceremonies. The logical flow from student experiences to broader policy implications helps readers understand the story's significance. However, occasional technical terms, such as 'affinity ceremonies' or 'DEI programs,' might benefit from brief explanations to ensure clarity for all readers.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, such as university spokespersons and students directly impacted by the policy changes. It also references official statements from the U.S. Education Department and other universities, lending authority to the reported claims. However, the story could strengthen its source quality by including more direct quotes or statements from federal officials or legal experts to corroborate the legal interpretations and policy impacts discussed.

7
Transparency

The article provides a clear context for the policy changes and their impact on university ceremonies, explaining the rationale behind the decisions and the broader political environment. However, it lacks detailed information on the methodology used to gather student and university responses, which could enhance transparency. Additionally, acknowledging any potential conflicts of interest, such as the AP's funding sources, would further improve transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/see-which-states-are-telling-trump-their-schools-dont-use-illegal-dei/2025/04
  2. https://www.chalkbeat.org/2025/04/03/trump-education-department-threatens-federal-funding-anti-dei-push/
  3. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-project-2025-first-100-days/
  4. https://www.axios.com/2025/03/14/trump-education-department-investigation-dei
  5. https://economictimes.com/nri/study/us-crackdown-on-diversity-programmes-is-reshaping-college-graduation-ceremonies/articleshow/120785145.cms