NEW YORK, NY – In an effort to provide racial diversity and inclusion, Columbia University is hosting multicultural virtual graduation ceremonies for people of different races and color.
“In honor of Columbia’s diverse student community and as a complement to the school- and University-wide graduation ceremonies, we are proud to also offer Multicultural Graduation Celebrations, which provide a more intimate setting for students who self-identify in a variety of ways,” the University said. “These events invite community members to reflect on personal growth and community experiences that have impacted their time as students through to graduation.”
- Native Graduation: A graduation ceremony for Native American graduates.
- Lavender Graduation: An LBGTQ graduation.
- Asian Graduation: This will be the graduation ceremony for Asians graduating from the university.
- FLI Graduation: A graduation ceremony for poor students, low income and first-generation imigrants.
- Latinx Graduation: This graduation ceremony is for Latinx students who aren’t poor and might be children of immigratnts.
- Black Graduation: This is the graduation for the black students at the university.
It is unclear at this time if students who cross-identify their race will be permitted to be in the different ceremonies if they cannot provide proof of their race. The school said all students will be invited to participate in the event.
After each of the different racial graduation ceremonies are held, the university will close the commencement week with a graduation commencement for all students. That commencement is to be held on Friday, April 30th.