College attendees in South Dakota ponder over a demonstration in response to the university's plan to laud the Homeland Security head, Governor Noem.
In the Heartland's Hottest Debate:
Dakota State University, nestled in South Dakota's serene countryside, finds itself at the center of a contentious battle. Political turmoil typically reserved for urban campuses has crept into the relatively quiet academic community, stirring unease among the Nearly 4,000 students.
This upheaval has been sparked by the University administration's decision to award an honorary doctorate to Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, and invite her for a commencement speech on May 10. In response, a group of students have organized a rally on graduation day, opposing the former South Dakota governor and the Trump administration.
The students' prime concerns revolve around federal immigration policies, which they claim pose a threat to their peers who fear for their legal status. Additionally, they plan to voice their disapproval of Noem's previous anti-LGBTQ+ actions during her tenure as governor.
When questioned about the honorary degree, some students and faculty expressed their doubt that it was an appropriate recognition. Among the DSU student body, uncertainties prevail about engaging in objections or remaining silent to steer clear of potential backlash that students at more outspoken colleges may face.
"The air is thick with tension," explains humanities instructor, Daniel Spencer. "Students are hesitant about expressing their opinions."
Traditionally, students in the prestigious cybersecurity program have been reticent to take political stances, fearing career repercussions. The school's remote location in Madison, an hour's drive northwest of Sioux Falls, seems to foster a culture of apprehensiveness towards confronting authority.
"Many of our students come from rural South Dakota, and they don't feel comfortable challenging authority," says professor emeritus Dale Droge. "Our student enrollment lacks a significant number of political science or history majors, reducing the number of students considering civil rights-related actions."
DSU's international student body, numbering in the hundreds, is also grappling with the implications of this political conflict. These students remain unaffected by recent Homeland Security actions and are weighing their participation options with caution.
Among them, freshman student senator, Tyler Sprik, noted that fear permeates through the international student body due to the current political climate.
Noem was selected for this recognition due to her unwavering support for Dakota State during her time as governor. University spokesperson Andrew Sogn stated that Noem supported the school's cybersecurity initiatives, helping secure substantial funding, thereby cementing the school's status as a national cybersecurity leader.
Students and faculty express their concerns about disruptions during the commencement ceremony, but the rally's fervent supporters demand "No honor for Noem." They insist that the Commencement ceremony should prioritize the graduating students and encourage the administration to listen to their collective concerns.
Raza writes for the Associated Press.
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- In South Dakota's Dakota State University, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's honorary doctorate and commencement speech have caused a stir, sparking a debate among students about federal immigration policies, anti-LGBTQ+ actions, and engaging in political protest.
- The students' concerns over Noem's policies extend to immigration, a matter they fear threatens their peers' legal status, and to her past actions against the LGBTQ+ community.
- Some students and faculty question the appropriateness of the honorary degree, with uncertainty prevailing about expressing opposition or maintaining silence to avoid potential backlash.
- In a traditionally reticent political climate, students from the cybersecurity program and those majoring in political science or history are less likely to take political stances due to concerns about career repercussions.
- Dakota State's international student body, which numbers in the hundreds, is grappling with the implications of this political conflict, with fear permeating through the community due to the current political climate.
- Noem was selected for the honorary degree due to her support for the university, particularly in securing funding for its cybersecurity initiatives, a move that cemented Dakota State's status as a national leader in cybersecurity.
- Given the potential for disruptions during the commencement ceremony, the fervent rally supporters demand that the event prioritize the graduating students, encouraging the administration to consider their collective concerns.
- This conflict at Dakota State University echoes broader debates happening on campuses across the nation, including the politicization of education and self-development, general news, and controversial invitees at graduation ceremonies.
- The ongoing political climate also impacts issues like immigration, antisemitism, and education, raising concerns among international students in California, as described in a recent Associated Press article.
