When Diversity Divides

Columbia University recently held multiple graduation ceremonies, including separate events for students of different races, genders, and identities. This practice, known as "affinity graduations," has been adopted by many other universities. Despite claims that this practice has a long history, it only dates back to 2005, and for over 250 years, universities held single, inclusive ceremonies. This segregation of students undermines the shared values and sense of community that higher education aims to cultivate. Many universities, including Princeton and Penn State, have adopted similar practices, separating students into demographic silos. The National Association of Scholars has described this practice as "neo-segregation," similar to the discriminatory "separate but equal" doctrine. Universities that promote diversity and inclusion are contradicting themselves by promoting segregation. Higher education cannot achieve diversity by dividing students into groups and celebrating them in isolation. Instead, diversity requires bringing people together across lines of race, class, gender, and ideology. The practice of segregating students raises questions about the value and necessity of achieving student body diversity.