Oregon university hosts separate graduation celebrations based on race, sexuality

An Oregon university is hosting multiple segregated graduation events that specifically exclude students based on the color of their skin, and prioritize ceremonies based on affinity groups.

Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon posted the schedule of celebrations separated by race, sexuality and gender identity, in addition to the university's larger commencement ceremony.



According to the school’s website, on Saturday, May 27, the school will be hosting multiple events for different races including an invitation only Latinx Dinner which is described as "A recognition ceremony for Latinx graduates and families! The event will feature student, faculty and family speakers as well as a special stole presentation."

The school has also scheduled similar events for the "Asian and Pacific Islander" community as well as the "Black Excellence" recognizing "Linfield's Black and African American graduates and families." However, those events do not specify "invitation only."

The university will also be hosting the "Lavender Celebration," a "recognition ceremony for Linfield's LGBTQIA+ graduates and families."

Other events mentioned are "Senior Awards" and "Baccalaureate" described as "a traditional event often held in conjunction with university graduations" that will "consist of music and readings" and is "rooted in religious traditions," will draw from a variety of "faith traditions."

Linfield's Baccalaureate is the only event that states it "will be open to everyone." The university will also have a general commencement ceremony for all students, a "Nursing Student Toast" and a "Nursing Pinning Ceremony."

According to the university's mission statement, the school "Honors the rich texture of diverse cultures and varied ways of understanding."

Many other liberal universities have followed similar practices for commencements in recent years.

One parent told The Lars Larson Show that their daughter is graduating at the top of the class this year but "unfortunately" is a "straight white female and does not meet the requirements for any of the senior recognition ceremonies. Our education system is woke and broken."

UPDATED: Following the publication of this article, Linfield University said in a statement to The Post Millennial, "Dozens of senior recognition events, celebrations and ceremonies are a staple of the month leading up to Linfield University’s May 28 Commencement for our graduates. Athletic teams, academic departments, fraternities and sororities, campus clubs and honorary/professional societies often choose to recognize and honor their graduating seniors; those events are funded, planned and publicized by individual groups. The only official university-wide gathering is Commencement itself, followed that afternoon by a Pinning Ceremony for our School of Nursing graduates. Our class of 2024 Wildcats have done so much in their years at Linfield, are all worth celebrating, and we’re glad to have so many opportunities to do so!"