Summary

The author reflects on a time when graduation ceremonies were unified regardless of identity and criticizes Columbia University's plan to hold multiple graduation events based on race and other identities as a step backward into divisiveness.

Abstract

The author nostalgically recalls their graduation from a professional accountancy program, emphasizing the unity and equality with which all graduates, regardless of identity, were celebrated in a single ceremony. This contrasts sharply with the author's view of Columbia University's recent decision to host up to six separate graduation events categorized by race, sexual orientation, income levels, and other identities. The article argues that this move represents a regression towards division and a departure from common sense, labeling it as an extreme form of 'wokeism.' The author expresses concern that such practices could extend into the workforce and other societal structures, undermining the principles that make America strong. The author calls on American leaders, including the President, to condemn these actions, lamenting that those in power are too fearful of mob reactions to take a stand against the perceived disintegration of American values.

Opinions

The author values unity and meritocracy in graduation ceremonies, as demonstrated by their positive memories of their own graduation.
Columbia University's plan for multiple graduation events based on identity is seen as divisive, backward, and contrary to the principles of equality.
The author considers the university's decision as a symptom of the loss of common sense and an overzealous application of 'woke' ideology.
There is a concern that identity-based divisions in academic settings could spread to the workforce and other institutions like the police and military.
The author believes that leaders, including President Biden, should actively oppose such divisive practices but are currently failing to do so out of fear.
The article suggests that these identity-based graduation events contribute to the broader decline of what the author considers to be 'good and decent' aspects of American society.

When I Graduated No One Cared About The Color of Your Skin, Race, or Other Identity

There was one Ceremony for Everyone

I still remember, as clear as day, my graduation as a professional accountant. The men were dressed in tuxedos and the women in evening gowns.

The graduates were led into the hall by bagpipers and as we entered, the gathering of family and friends rose and applauded.

It was a wonderful feeling. We had worked hard for it and deserved it.

All of us graduates then stood and repeated our Accountant’s Oath which covered our code of ethics.

And then, in alphabetical order, each of us went up to receive his certificates.

That moment in which I received my certificates is burned into my brain. I had visualized it a million times beforehand and it happened exactly as I imagined it.

I walked up to the president of our association with a huge smile on my face, and he couldn’t help flashing a huge smile right back at me.

We all graduated together in one event.

No one cared about the color of our skin, race, or other identities. If you met all the requirements you graduated in one graduation ceremony along with everyone else who met those same requirements. It was very simple, straightforward, and uncomplicated.

That was a long time ago. But instead of the world moving towards greater enlightenment, here we are in the 21st century and Columbia, one of America’s Ivy League universities, plans to have up to six separate graduation events based on race, and other identities.

If an Ivy League university thinks in such a backward way, what is happening on other American campuses?

President Trump was accused of being divisive, President Biden calls for unity, and a top American university will hold graduation events for their students based on race, sexual orientation, income levels, and other identities.

This is idiotic and divisive. Common sense has flown the coop. This is wokeism on steroids.

Will the workforce be next? Will workers be divided into groups based on Columbia’s six identities?

Will The Columbia Principles be applied to the police forces and the military?

This is not as far-fetched as it sounds. After all, who will argue with the brilliant academics of Columbia?

What Columbia plans to do is not only divisive, but makes no sense, and contributes to the destruction of all that’s good and decent about America.

America’s leaders, starting with the President, should speak out against such nonsensical actions. Unfortunately, the leaders are afraid of the crazed mobs, and like Pontius Pilate, have washed their hands of the insanity that is destroying America.

Reference: Columbia University’s Graduation Plans