Graduation season in the United States is usually filled with joy, hope and anticipation for the next chapter in life. However, this year, the traditional celebrations have been disrupted by the ongoing pandemic and the country’s current state of social and political unrest. Amid these challenges, many college graduates are finding new ways to express their concerns and voice their opinions, with protests dwindling in numbers and subtle, defiant acts taking center stage.
The traditional graduation ceremony, which usually includes hundreds or even thousands of cheering family members and friends, has been replaced by virtual ceremonies and drive-through graduations. This change has been met with disappointment and frustration by many students who have worked hard for years to reach this milestone. However, despite the limitations, some graduates have found a way to make their voices heard and stand up for what they believe in.
Across the country, universities have witnessed a significant decrease in the number of protesters at graduation ceremonies. The usually crowded arenas and auditoriums are now occupied by a handful of students, and instead of loud chants and signs, there is a subtle air of defiance. This change is not a sign of apathy or indifference, but rather a strategic shift in the way graduates are choosing to make their voices heard.
One example of this shift can be seen at the University of California, Berkeley, where students have been known for their strong activism. This year, only a small group of students gathered outside the virtual graduation ceremony, holding signs that read “Black Lives Matter” and “Justice for George Floyd”. By choosing to not disrupt the ceremony, these graduates made a powerful statement that their education and achievement should not be overshadowed by protests, but rather used as a platform to continue their fight for social justice.
Similarly, at the University of Washington, graduates placed black ribbons on their mortarboards to honor the lives lost due to police brutality, while at the University of Michigan, students staged a virtual sit-in during their graduation ceremony to demand that the school cut ties with the local police department. These subtle acts may not have the same impact as large-scale protests, but they serve as a symbol of solidarity and collective action, even in the face of adversity.
Some students have also chosen to use their graduation speeches as a platform to speak out against systemic racism and other social issues. At the University of Texas at Austin, a student speaker used her time to address the university’s history of racism and discrimination, while at Harvard University, a student speaker urged her fellow graduates to continue fighting for justice and equality in their future endeavors.
These subtle defiant acts are not just limited to the current social and political climate. In recent years, college students have also used their graduation ceremonies to raise awareness about issues such as climate change, sexual assault, and immigration policies. This trend of using graduation as a platform for activism is a reflection of the younger generation’s desire to create change and make a difference in the world.
As we navigate through these difficult times, it is important to recognize the resilience and determination of these graduates. Despite the challenges and limitations, they have found ways to make their voices heard and take a stand for what they believe in. They have shown that even in the midst of a pandemic and social unrest, the pursuit of education and the fight for justice and equality can go hand in hand.
So as we celebrate the Class of 2021, let us not forget the powerful message that these graduates are sending. They are not just future leaders, but current agents of change. Their subtle, defiant acts at graduation ceremonies are a reminder that together, we can overcome any challenge and create a better, more inclusive world for all. Congratulations to the Class of 2021, may your future be filled with hope, resilience, and the determination to make a difference.
