Some students from Virginia Commonwealth University’s class of 2024 staged a walkout during Governor Glenn Youngkin’s commencement speech. Despite the protest, the ceremony continued without interruption, and the governor received applause from the audience. Youngkin’s office declined to comment on the walkout and instead focused on his speech, where he encouraged graduates to seek unity and collaboration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocDd5eeOuIU
The walkout was organized by the NAACP chapter of VCU, which had called for Youngkin to be removed as a speaker due to his perceived stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The group’s letter to VCU leadership criticized the governor for actions they believed were harmful to marginalized communities.
In response to the controversy, VCU’s Board of Visitors voted against a requirement for a racial literacy course just hours before the commencement ceremony. The decision was met with support for academic freedom and student autonomy in choosing their educational path.
As Youngkin continues his term as governor, the incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding issues of inclusion and diversity in higher education institutions.
