Harvard University Halts Funding for Black Graduation and Affinity Organizations

Harvard University has declared it will cease to host or finance graduation events tailored for Black students and other affinity groups due to the threat of funding withdrawals from the Department of Education linked to DEI initiatives. On April 28, officials communicated via email to student organizations, indicating that they would forfeit “funding, staffing, or spaces for affinity celebrations,” as reported by the Harvard Crimson. Jason A. Newton, a university spokesperson, affirmed Harvard’s commitment to fostering a diverse community while complying with legal mandates. Previously, the institution facilitated ten distinct graduations for various student backgrounds. In response, the Black Alumni Society has initiated a fundraising effort aiming for $50,000 to support the 2025 Black graduation, emphasizing its dedication to preserving the Black student experience.