University of Alabama Commencement Becomes Political Stage for Trump's Anti-Education Agenda

The University of Alabama’s 2025 commencement was supposed to be a celebration of hard-earned degrees, a day for graduates to bask in their achievements with families cheering them on. Instead, it’s shaping up as a political spectacle. President Donald Trump’s decision to deliver the keynote address, announced with fanfare on Truth Social, has thrust the ceremony into the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons. What should be a unifying milestone risks becoming a platform for divisive rhetoric, overshadowing the students who deserve to be the focus.

This isn’t just about one speech. It’s about a pattern. Trump’s appearance at Coleman Coliseum, set for May 2–4, comes at a time when his administration is waging an aggressive campaign against higher education. From funding freezes to threats against diversity initiatives, the policies targeting universities like Alabama reveal a troubling disregard for academic freedom and student welfare. For graduates, many of whom are entering a world of uncertainty, this commencement should inspire hope, not serve as a backdrop for political theater.

The announcement, echoed by figures like Senator Katie Britt, frames the event as a ‘historic occasion.’ But historic for whom? For the students, or for a president seeking to rally his base in a state that already leans heavily in his favor? The choice of Alabama, with its storied football program and deep cultural ties, feels less like an honor for the university and more like a calculated move to amplify a message that’s been divisive from the start.

For those of us who believe in the transformative power of education, this moment stings. Commencement is a rite of passage, a chance to reflect on shared values and collective progress. Yet Trump’s track record suggests his speech will lean into polarization, not unity, leaving graduates caught in the crossfire of a broader ideological battle.

To understand the stakes, look at the broader context. The Trump administration has made no secret of its hostility toward universities. Since taking office, it has pushed policies that undermine academic autonomy, from threatening to tax endowments to cracking down on international student programs. Over 100 university leaders have publicly decried these moves as unprecedented overreach, arguing they jeopardize the very institutions that drive innovation and social mobility.

These aren’t abstract concerns. At Alabama, like many public universities, federal funding supports research, scholarships, and infrastructure. The administration’s threats to withhold resources, often tied to vague accusations of ‘woke’ policies, hit hardest at students from marginalized backgrounds who rely on these programs to access higher education. The irony is stark: a president addressing graduates at a public university is simultaneously working to destabilize the system that made their degrees possible.

Historical precedent offers little comfort. In 1964, Lyndon Johnson used a commencement address at the University of Michigan to unveil his ‘Great Society’ vision, a bold call for equality and opportunity. That speech lifted spirits and set a course for progress. Trump’s approach, by contrast, seems more aligned with scoring political points than inspiring a generation. His administration’s alignment with Project 2025, a policy blueprint that advocates dismantling federal education support, suggests a future where universities are stripped of resources and independence.

Some argue that hosting a president, any president, is an honor that elevates a university’s profile. They point to the media attention and institutional prestige that come with such visits. But prestige at what cost? When the speaker’s policies threaten the values of inquiry and inclusion that universities stand for, the tradeoff feels less like an opportunity and more like a compromise of principle.

For Alabama’s graduates, this commencement should be a moment of pride, not a flashpoint. These students have navigated a world of challenges, from economic uncertainty to campus debates over free speech and inclusion. Many are first-generation graduates, carrying the hopes of their families. They deserve a ceremony that celebrates their resilience, not one that amplifies national divisions.

Student organizations at Alabama have a history of speaking out against controversial figures. Recent activism has centered on protecting LGBTQ+ rights and supporting international students, issues that clash directly with the administration’s priorities. The risk of protests during Trump’s speech is real, and while dissent is a vital part of democracy, it’s unfair that graduates must share their day with such tension. A commencement should unite, not fracture, a campus community.

Data on presidential commencement speeches shows they often aim to connect with younger voters, emphasizing shared values or bold visions. John F. Kennedy’s 1963 American University address, for instance, called for peace and global cooperation, resonating with students entering a turbulent world. Trump’s speeches, however, tend to prioritize his base, often leaning into cultural grievances rather than universal ideals. Alabama’s graduates, many of whom are just beginning to engage with civic life, deserve a message that inspires them to build bridges, not walls.

The solution isn’t to silence Trump or cancel his appearance, tempting as that might be. Free speech, even when it’s uncomfortable, is a cornerstone of academic life. But university leaders and students can reclaim this moment. Alabama’s administration could pair the president’s address with events that amplify diverse voices, showcasing the stories of graduates who embody the university’s mission of service and inclusion. A parallel forum, perhaps led by faculty or student leaders, could refocus the narrative on the issues that matter to the class of 2025: climate action, economic justice, and equal opportunity.

This is a chance to remind the world what higher education stands for. Universities are not just stages for political figures; they are incubators of ideas, places where young people learn to question, create, and lead. By centering the graduates’ experiences, Alabama can turn a potentially divisive event into a celebration of its community’s strength and diversity.

As the ceremony approaches, the nation will be watching. Alabama has an opportunity to show that even in a polarized time, education can be a force for unity. For those of us who believe in the power of learning to lift up all people, this is a moment to stand firm. The graduates deserve a day that honors their journey, not one that serves as a prop for a president’s agenda.