There seems to be a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the newly instated Multicultural Graduation Celebration Ceremony. But why? The greatest concern in regard to this ceremony is deeply rooted in a misconception. The idea that this ceremony will promote a climate of racial division among students is gravely misled. On the contrary the nature of such a ceremony will reinforce Pepperdine’s commitment to diversity while also uniting and educating students on diversity. The ceremony will be open for all students to participate should they choose to do so. We all have some sort of culture to celebrate.
Additionally Pepperdine is not reinventing the wheel by installing this ceremony. Several schools throughout the country including several of Pepperdine’s aspirational institutions such as Notre Dame and Stanford already have established long-standing traditions with similar ceremonies — all of which contribute to campus climates of inclusion.
A lot of students often feel lost at graduation time. This ceremony allows students to commemorate their unique experiences in their time here at Pepperdine by celebrating individuality. Furthermore graduation ceremonies hold an intrinsic value to the families and friends that attend them. This type of ceremony allows families not only to celebrate their children’s academic success but it will also allow them to celebrate their culture and heritage. And for many of students it will be the first time that their families have such an opportunity.
The truth of the matter is that there are many factors that contribute to our experiences at Pepperdine apart from academic endeavors. Undeniably some of those factors are the perspectives and experiences of all students which consequentially contribute to a climate that is becoming increasingly more culturally diverse. Pepperdine University needs this. Its what we’re missing.