University of Louisville cancels lavender graduation for LGBT-identifying students

The University of Louisville canceled its special graduation ceremony for LGBT-identifying students in April, thanks to President Donald Trump and Kentucky state law.

The public land-grant research university in Lexington, Kentucky, canceled its Lavender Graduation ceremony less than 24 hours before the event scheduled for April 21. 

“Due to recent changes, the University of Louisville will not be hosting a Lavender Graduation this year,” the university’s Cultural & Equity Center posted on Instagram at the time. “However, ALL students are still welcome to pick up a rainbow cord — no matter your gender, race, sexual orientation, or any part of your identity. 

“Congrats to all the graduates — your journey matters, and your pride is valid.” 

The cancellation came after Kentucky enacted House Bill 4 this year, which requires all public universities to stop funding DEI initiatives and to close all DEI offices by June 30. Additionally, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January to crack down on DEI in government programs and spending. 

“UofL remains committed to its mission and values to be inclusive for all. We pride ourselves on our dedication to creating a sense of belonging for every member of the Cardinal community,” John Karman, the school’s Interim VP of Communications and Marketing, said in a statement. 

“While some things are changing, who we are, what we believe, and the values we hold dear have not and will not change.” 

Social media users supported the cancellation. “Do they have a straight graduation party too?” one Facebook user commented, 

“They need to get over themselves,” another person wrote. “They don’t need a special graduation because they’re not special in anyone’s eyes but their own. They just want attention. Didn’t know any such thing existed until I saw this article.” 

“We’re slowly but surely eliminating the mental illness that liberals want to normalize,” someone else posted, “Thank you President Trump.” 

“It’s sad all these people care about is attention and have to be validated. No one cares about your sexual preferences,” a woman replied. “Stop shoving it at everyone.” 

“Good. That’s weird that it existed to begin with,” a man added. 

The University of Kentucky also reportedly canceled its Lavender Graduation earlier this month.