Amid the growing unrest at colleges across the United States, Dakota State University, situated in rural South Dakota, has remained largely free from student protests. However, recent events have brought politics to the forefront on campus. The university’s administration has decided to award an honorary doctorate to Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, inviting her to deliver the commencement speech on May 10.
The decision to honor Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, has sparked a planned rally by students on graduation day. They aim to protest against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which fall under Noem’s purview, as well as her past actions perceived as anti-LGBT. Students are concerned about the impact of these policies on their peers who are worried about their legal status. Additionally, there is a sentiment among some students and faculty that the honorary degree is an excessive honor for Noem.
Students at DSU are grappling with whether to join the protests or remain silent, wary of potential repercussions similar to those faced by peers at other outspoken colleges. The campus atmosphere is tense, with students expressing apprehension about voicing their opinions. The renowned cybersecurity program at DSU has traditionally seen students avoiding political involvement due to concerns about future employment in government and private sectors.
The university’s location in Madison, a small town approximately an hour northwest of Sioux Falls, contributes to a culture of hesitance in confronting authority. Many students hail from rural backgrounds, where there is less inclination towards engaging in civil rights actions.
International students at DSU are also contemplating their involvement in the protests. Although recent actions by the Department of Homeland Security have not yet affected them, these students are cautious, fearing repercussions such as visa revocation.
DSU’s decision to honor Noem was motivated by her support for the university during her governorship, particularly in securing funding for its cybersecurity initiatives. This backing has been credited with bolstering the school’s national reputation in the field. Despite this, both faculty and the student senate largely opposed the honorary degree nomination.
The current political climate has instilled fear among international students, deterring them from participating in protests. Faculty members, too, have expressed reluctance to publicly voice their opinions, citing concerns about President Donald Trump’s scrutiny of higher education and a 2020 state law that prohibits faculty unions in public colleges.
The hesitation to speak freely on campus issues is troubling to some faculty, who advocate for open dialogue on principles and ethics. There is also concern that Noem’s presence at commencement may overshadow the graduates’ achievements.
Despite these challenges, many students are determined to proceed with the rally, emphasizing their demand for the event to focus on the graduates and allow their voices to be heard.
