University commencement isn’t the place for politics
Preview:
Commencement ceremonies have increasingly become platforms for political advocacy, distracting from their core purpose of celebrating students and affirming the university's mission. Universities are most effective when they model civil discourse and teach students how to think rather than what to think, which requires institutional neutrality on social and political matters. Protests and advocacy have their place on campus, but commencement is not it.
Originally published: May 24, 2026
Author: Daniel Diermeier
Position: Chancellor
Institution: Vanderbilt University
Published by: USA Today