admin
Across America’s top colleges this spring, the commencement stage looks less like a ceremony and more like a mirror — and that mirror, apparently, is tinted deep blue. A new analysis finds Democrats and left-leaning figures are doing most of the talking at main undergraduate graduations. If you were hoping for a bit more balance, don’t hold your breath.
New analysis: Democrats dominate the podium
The College Fix tallied the main undergraduate commencement speakers at U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 universities and found Democrats outnumber Republicans roughly 6-to-1. That comes out to about 38 left-leaning speakers versus six right-leaning ones — Democrats make up about 86% of partisan keynote speakers in the sample. The outlet used public statements, donation records, and official announcements to classify speakers, and it focused on the university‑wide ceremonies that draw the biggest crowds.
Who showed up — and who didn’t
The roster reads like a liberal who’s-who: governors and senators, media figures, and Hollywood names. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senator Raphael Warnock, Governor Abigail Spanberger, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Representative Jamie Raskin, and media figures from network news were all listed for major commencements. By contrast, the conservative names were few: Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Arthur C. Brooks, and a smattering of athletes and scholars like Colt McCoy and Eric Dickerson. That’s not a policy debate; that’s a political parade.
Why it matters: indoctrination or inspiration?
Critics rightly point out what this pattern looks like. Law professor Jonathan Turley and others warn that commencements are turning into last-chance political platforms — spots where candidates and partisans give campaign‑style remarks to captive audiences of students and families. Some speakers used their remarks to push structural changes or slam opponents, which is fine for a campaign rally but not what many expect from a graduation meant to celebrate students’ achievement. Universities defend the choices as inspirational or civic-minded. But when faculty and administrators pick speakers who think exactly like them, “inspirational” starts to look a lot like one‑sided messaging.
What should change — and who should push for it?
Colleges can fix this without drama. Start by publishing clear speaker-selection rules, include students and trustees in the choice, and make a point to invite speakers from across the political spectrum. Families paying thousands for a ceremony deserve more than a partisan send-off. If administrators refuse, state leaders and donors should ask hard questions about viewpoint diversity. Graduation ought to be a day that honors graduates, not a stage for another semester of political theater.
