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statement at graduation
statement at graduation
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Life > Experiences

How To Make A Statement At Graduation (Without Getting In Trouble)

If you’re anything like me, the days are feeling longer, the senioritis is at an all-time high, and summer is calling to you like a siren. That can only mean one thing: Graduation season is upon us. It’s time to go shopping for that dress and plan a farewell photo shoot with your besties. Whether you have an internship or full-time job lined up post-graduation, a master’s program to start up in the fall, a gap year to look forward to, or if you have no idea what’s up next, graduation is a big deal. It’s also a final chance to make a statement before you leave college for good, if that’s something you feel strongly about.

Walking across the stage at your commencement ceremony does more than get you that highly sought-after diploma; it also gives you the chance in the spotlight, which some students have used to spread a message, take a stance, or draw awareness to a cause that’s close to their hearts. However, what holds many students back from making a statement at graduation is the fear of getting in trouble. I mean, putting your degree in jeopardy is no joke. So, how can you make a statement at graduation without crossing a line? 

@nowthisimpact

As usual, MAGA is a bit slow to catch on. In June, valedictorian Jamie Han gave an inspiring speech at UCLA’s commencement for the Undergraduate School of Communications, where, as a first-generation American, she condemned the Trump administration’s threats to communications and free speech, as well as its attacks on immigrants. The clip is now making the rounds online, and Han has been targeted with racist attacks and comments across the internet. But as she says toward the end of her speech, ‘F*ck ICE, and f*ck the Trump administration.’

♬ original sound – NowThis Impact

Abide By Your School’s Rules

If you want to make a statement without facing repercussions, the best general course of action is to follow the rules of your school’s graduation ceremony and keep up to date with any changes related to your university’s policies. These rules are going to vary from college to college, so do your research. Of course, if you feel your school’s graduation regulations are unfair or even unjust, you can file a complaint with your school’s administration, given there’s enough time to change or adjust the rules before your ceremony.

Decide How You Want To Make Your Statement

Some ways of making a statement will be more prominent than others. If you’re making a speech at your ceremony (first of all, congrats), you have a huge platform for sharing your message — just keep in mind that speeches are almost always required to be approved ahead of time, and deviating from what was pre-approved could lead to consequences. But there are also more subtle ways to get your message across, whether that’s by decorating your graduation cap, wearing a pin or special regalia, or bringing a flag or sign to your ceremony.

@demarcosmark

Education Major Custom Cap #educationmajor #gradcap #gradcaps #gradszn #customgradcap #gradcapdesign #blacklivesmatter #feminism

♬ Forever (From “Euphoria: Season 1” Soundtrack) – Labrinth

Keep It Safe & Respectful

Graduation is a special day for all, and no one should be made to feel hurt or unsafe during this time. Before you decide to make a statement at your ceremony, ask yourself whether your choice will be harmful to those around you. If so, consider skipping it, or doing something else. You can also talk to a friend, family member, or trusted adviser about ways to share your message in a way that’s powerful and meaningful for this moment.

Eliza Disbrow

Washington '26

Eliza Disbrow is a recent graduate from the University of Washington, majoring in International Studies: European Studies with a double minor in Spanish and business. Eliza was a writer for the University of Washington chapter and is currently writing for National HerCampus, covering a variety of topics, from music, books, social media, politics, to anime.

Beyond Her Campus, Eliza serveed as the co-president of the University of Washington Euro Club, participated in the University of Washington Women in Business club, and worked part-time at Evereve, where she is now full-time.

In her free time, Eliza can be seen taking in the sights of Seattle on any of the available forms of public transportation, normally with a book in hand and headphones in her ears. She plays guitar and bass, mainly as an excuse to play either Fall Out Boy or Ghost to family and friends. Additionally, she is perhaps the number-one super fan of "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," somehow able to quote or recall episodes ranging from the most recent release or from three years ago.