Harvard adds ‘Jewish celebration’ to list of 10 segregated graduation events

On a graduation events schedule page for the university, the number of segregated or "affinity" graduation celebrations includes the following: Disability Celebration, Indigenous Celebration, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders/Desi-American Celebration, First Generation Celebration, Jewish Celebration, Latinx Celebration, Veteran Celebration, Lavender Celebration, Black Celebration, and an Arab Celebration.

The addition of the "Jewish Celebration" comes after the ousting of Claudine Gay and numerous accusations against the school for antisemitism. Harvard's "Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging" is helping to plan all the segregated celebrations.

A page from the DEI office's announcement about the events calls them "affinity celebrations" that occur at the time of graduation but "do not serve as graduations or convocation ceremonies" in the technical sense. The affinity celebrations are only open to graduating students, and they must register for their respective celebration by April 22.

The events schedule page states, "Affinity celebrations are student-led, staff-supported events that recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of graduates. Hosted by community partners and alumni, these student-led gatherings celebrate the diverse cultures, communities, and identities present at Harvard.”

“These events center the cultural and community traditions and values of graduates and provide opportunities to honor those who helped them reach this milestone. These celebrations feature keynote speakers, performances, regalia accessories, and cultural celebrations. Affinity celebrations are open to all Harvard graduates who pre-register to attend."

The segregated graduation celebrations are part of a larger trend at colleges that focus on DEI aspects of education.