Amid the vast plains and scenic landscapes of South Dakota, Dakota State University (DSU) is preparing for a contentious graduation ceremony. The small-town university, located in Madison, is set to host Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as a commencement speaker, coinciding with the conferment of an honorary doctorate for her alleged contributions to the institution. However, this decision has sparked a growing wave of dissatisfaction among students and faculty alike.
The heart of South Dakota, Madison, boasts a population always more focused on community affairs than political conflicts. Yet on May 10, 2025, DSU will become a focal point for political activism as students protest against the honorary degree awarded to Noem, a former governor of South Dakota criticized for her role in executing contentious federal immigration policies and her anti-LGBT stance.
Kristi Noem
Noem, known for bolstering DSU’s reputation as a leader in cybersecurity, faces criticism from the DSU community. Her involvement in the contentious policies of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), together with her previous anti-LGBT actions, have compounded the backlash. While DSU’s administration lauds her unwavering championing of the university, many within the student body and faculty disagree with the honor.
The protest, planned to take place on the day of commencement, highlights broader issues impacting the university. According to Daniel Spencer, a humanities instructor, “The atmosphere is tense. Students are afraid of making their voices heard.” Such fear extends beyond local politics to career prospects, especially among students studying in DSU’s renowned cybersecurity program.
DSU’s location in South Dakota’s rural heartland contributes to a general hesitance in confronting authority. Professor Emeritus Dale Droge remarked, “We don’t have many students in the political sciences, where they might think about these civil rights actions.” The cultural landscape of Madison blends deeply with students’ reluctance against political engagement.
In recent years, the state’s legislative moves have also affected the campus climate. A significant shift occurred with the enforcement of a 2020 state law that prohibits faculty unions at public colleges. This legislative move has created a notable unease among faculty members, affecting their willingness to speak openly and freely.
The student senate and faculty have collectively voted against the awarding of the honorary doctorate to Noem, emphasizing that the honor might overshadow the commencement, a day meant to celebrate the achievement of the graduates. Yet, the university administration defends the decision, citing Noem’s support for DSU’s cybersecurity initiatives, which secured millions in funding and established significant developments in DSU’s academic standing.
Despite apprehension, students like Anden Wieseler, a junior and student senate vice president, have become vocal proponents of the protests. “I have international students coming to me from outside of the senate, across campus, who expressed to me that they don’t want to get involved in any of this because they have fears of getting their visas revoked,” Wieseler stated, referring to the policies under DHS that target international students.
DSU’s administration, led by President José-Marie Griffiths, maintains that Noem was chosen for her distinguished service in public life. However, several faculty members feel that the narrative surrounding the honorary degree has detracted from the students’ accomplishments. Stephen Krebsbach, a computer science professor, expressed concern that Noema’s high-profile presence may shift focus away from the graduates.
The protest embodies a crossroads for Dakota State University, drawing attention to the merging of local politics with educational progress. The discourse it inspires extends beyond the campus green, bridging issues of free speech, education policy, and political activism.
As graduation day approaches, all eyes are on South Dakota, a state with a rich history interwoven with the stories and lives of its people, standing at the precipice of what many hope will be an inclusively celebrated future.
As these events unfold, the students’ overarching message remains, “No honor for Noem. Give commencement back to the graduates and listen to us,” as stated by Tyler Sprik, a freshman involved in the protests. The eyes of South Dakota and potentially the nation will watch closely as the story develops.