South Dakota Students Consider Protesting University Honors for Governor Noem: A Call for Change

Dakota State University, a small school in Madison, South Dakota, has mostly stayed out of the student protests seen at other colleges. With about 4,000 students, many have focused on studying and finding jobs rather than engaging in political debates.

However, this is about to change.

The university has decided to award an honorary doctorate to Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and invite her to speak at the graduation ceremony on May 10. This move has sparked a planned rally led by students who oppose Noem and the Trump administration’s policies. They are particularly concerned about the federal government’s immigration practices, which Noem oversees, and her stances against the LGBTQ+ community during her time as governor.

Many students feel uneasy about whether to join the protests. “It’s a tense atmosphere,” notes humanities instructor Daniel Spencer. “Students are scared to make their voices heard.” Those in the cybersecurity program are especially cautious, fearing that political involvement could hurt their job prospects in both government and the private sector.

DSU is situated in a rural town, influencing student reluctance to confront authority. “A lot of our students come from rural backgrounds, leading to hesitance when it comes to activism,” states Professor Emeritus Dale Droge.

International students also face unique challenges. Some are uncertain about protesting due to fears of visa issues, especially after the DHS had previously terminated the legal status of over 1,000 international students before backtracking on the policy. “Students from across campus are telling me they don’t want to get involved because they worry about their visas,” shares Anden Wieseler, a junior and student senate vice president.

University spokespeople argue that Noem was chosen for her support of DSU during her gubernatorial term. She played a crucial role in securing funding for the school’s cybersecurity programs, establishing DSU as a leader in that field. Yet, students and faculty have voiced strong opposition to her honor, with only one student senator voting in favor of the nomination.

Many students are apprehensive about expressing their opinions. Some faculty members have reported being discouraged from engaging with the media or joining protests. A 2020 state law limiting faculty unions adds to the pressure, making staff less likely to voice concerns.

Droge is troubled by this climate of fear. “It’s alarming that at DSU and other institutions, people hesitate to share their views, even on critical issues like free speech,” he observes.

As graduation approaches, students are rallying behind their message: “No honor for Noem. Let the graduates have their moment,” asserts Tyler Sprik, a student senator.

### The Bigger Picture

This situation at Dakota State reflects broader trends in American campuses. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, over 50% of students feel intimidated to share their political views. This may stem from social media backlash, where opinions can lead to severe repercussions.

In contrast to the past, where many college students were vocal about their political views, today’s students are often torn between speaking out and safeguarding their futures. As societal norms shift, understanding this tension is crucial.

For students and faculty at DSU, how they navigate this situation may shape the future of activism on campus. Their voices, whether in support or opposition, are important in today’s changing landscape. Each action—be it a protest or silence—reflects their collective values and concerns.



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Schools, Censorship, Civil rights, Education, Human rights, Politics, Colleges and universities, Protests and demonstrations, U.S. news, General news, Article, 121461509