Harvard Affinity Groups Plan Independent Commencement Celebrations Amid Funding Cuts

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — At least six Harvard University affinity groups are organizing independent Commencement celebrations for graduating students next week, following the University's decision to withdraw funding and space for these annual traditions, The Harvard Crimson reported. The move comes after the U.S. Department of Education, under Secretary Linda McMahon, threatened funding cuts over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, prompting Harvard to end support for affinity group events on April 29.

The decision to halt funding stems from federal pressure to eliminate DEI practices, with the Education Department citing compliance with civil rights laws. Harvard's former Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, now renamed the Office for Community and Campus Life, informed affinity groups of the change via email, leaving many student organizations scrambling to plan their own events.

Despite the lack of University support, groups representing Indigenous, Black, Latinx, and other marginalized communities are moving forward with unofficial ceremonies. For example, Indigenous students, led by an independent initiative, raised enough donations to provide stoles for every Indigenous graduate, surpassing their initial goal of 19. "Originally we were only able to get 19 stoles for those who filled out our form but now we have enough to get stoles for every indigenous graduate," said Kaylee Hunts-in-Winter, a student organizer.

Other groups, such as the First-Generation Harvard Alumni (FGHA) and Harvard Undergraduate Native American Program (HUNAP), canceled their planned celebrations due to the University's withdrawal of support. Harvard Hillel, representing Jewish students, also opted not to host a ceremony this year, with former president Jacob M. Miller '25 noting, "I spoke with a lot of students, and there were many people who weren't so interested in an official ceremony the same way there was last year."

The cancellations and independent efforts follow months of uncertainty, as Harvard faced mounting pressure from the Trump administration to dismantle DEI programs. In February, the Education Department issued a directive questioning race-based practices, including affinity celebrations, citing the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling. Critics argue this interpretation misuses the landmark desegregation case to restrict minority-focused initiatives.

Student reactions have been mixed. More than 80 students and faculty protested Harvard's decision on April 29, rallying at the Science Center Plaza to demand the reinstatement of affinity celebrations. Victor E. Flores '25, a former Harvard College Democrats president active in Latino groups, called the decision a "capitulation to the Trump administration," adding, "When Harvard says we want you to feel that you belong, but we're going to get rid of a decades-long tradition that celebrates your achievements and those of your family all in the same breath, we know it's nothing more than false promises and a willingness to capitulate to these un-American attacks by the Trump administration."

Harvard's move also coincides with broader tensions, including a $2.2 billion freeze in federal research grants and a $60 million cut by the Department of Health and Human Services over allegations of antisemitism and racial discrimination. The University has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing the funding cuts violate First Amendment rights, but critics note Harvard's simultaneous compliance with some federal demands, such as renaming its diversity office and ending affinity event funding.

Supporters of the independent celebrations argue they are vital for marginalized students. A 2025 Harvard Crimson opinion piece emphasized that with over half of the Class of 2025 identifying as white and a quarter from households earning over $250,000 annually, affinity events provide essential spaces for first-generation, low-income, and minority students to celebrate their achievements.

As Commencement approaches, the persistence of these unofficial celebrations highlights student resilience amid administrative and federal challenges. While Harvard navigates its legal battles, affinity groups are taking matters into their own hands to preserve traditions that foster community and belonging.