Students protest Kristi Noem's honorary degree at Dakota State University graduation

In the United States, Dakota State University (DSU) is seeing rising tensions among students and faculty in light of the university's decision to honor Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem during their commencement event on May 10. This decision has sparked controversy, leading students to organize a rally opposing her connection to federal immigration policies that they believe endanger their peers’ legal status. Amid concerns about free speech, hundreds of international students express their apprehensions about participating due to potential visa repercussions. The decision to grant Noem an honorary doctorate has polarized opinion on campus. Critics, including students and faculty, argue that the honor is disproportionate given her role in overseeing policies they view as harmful. Faculty members note that many students hail from rural areas with ingrained reluctance to challenge authority. They fear repercussions from the administration for voicing their dissent. As humanities instructor Daniel Spencer described, the atmosphere is tense as many students feel disinclined to express their opinions, particularly those in fields such as cybersecurity that are sensitive to political fallout. Additionally, aspects of DSU's environment have compounded the situation. The small town location of Madison, approximately 60 miles from Sioux Falls, has historically fostered a culture wherein students generally avoid political engagements. The lack of robust political science representation among students exacerbates this issue, leading to fewer civil rights-focused discussions. Faculty at DSU have fewer protections for expressing their views publicly due to recent state legislation impacting public college unions. The rally, scheduled for the same day as commencement, aims to draw attention to the concerns over immigration policies and to advocate for the affected student demographic. Faculty members worry that the presence of Noem could not only overshadow the graduates but also potentially disrupt this significant occasion, which they feel is vital for student recognition. Overall, the unfolding events reflect broader themes of university governance, free speech, and student advocacy amidst a politically charged atmosphere.