SD Students Protest Noem’s Honorary Degree
Dakota State University (DSU) will award an honorary doctorate and commencement speaking role to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, prompting a student-led protest. The demonstration will challenge Noem’s record on immigration and LGBTQ+ issues, actions students believe contradict DSU’s values. Fear of reprisal, particularly among international students and those in the cybersecurity program, has created a tense atmosphere on campus, despite faculty and student senate votes against the honor. This event marks a departure from DSU’s typically apolitical campus environment.
John Q. Hosedrinker