Some of Virginia Commonwealth University‘s graduating class of 2024 walked out as Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) began his commencement speech Saturday.
Youngkin did not address the walkout and gave his speech as planned. As the protesting students left silently, it did not disrupt the commencement ceremony. The governor was largely met with applause. A representative from Youngkin’s office told the Washington Examiner that they had no comment on the walkout, instead pointing to the governor’s speech.
“I encourage you to see opportunities for addition and multiplication, not subtraction and division. Seek out ‘both and’ moments instead of ‘either or’ moments,” Youngkin said. “We need you. We need each of you, your talents, your dreams, your aspirations, your contributions that certainly will make tomorrow better than today.”
This walkout came after the NAACP chapter of VCU called for Youngkin to be removed as a speaker due to his reputation as “Virginia’s ‘Anti-DEI Governor.'”
“Since becoming Governor of Virginia, Youngkin has worked to intimidate and silence educators with anti-racist pedagogies by establishing his infamous ‘tip-line’ and repeal protections for transgender youth,” the group wrote in a letter to VCU leadership. “Our student body is watching, and we stand ready to advocate for our right to an inclusive and equitable education.”
The group did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment on whether it was behind the walkout. However, its letter accused the university of falling “to the political pressures exerted by Governor Glenn Youngkin” in rejecting a racial literacy course requirement.
“Central to the board’s deliberations was a commitment to upholding academic freedom while empowering students with flexibility and autonomy in their educational journey,” the university’s announcement read. “The discussion clearly expressed support for the racial literacy classes, and these courses are accessible to students who wish to explore them.”
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VCU’s Board of Visitors voted 10-5 against the requirement hours before the 2024 commencement ceremony. Youngkin’s appointee to the board was among the majority, as were appointees from the Democratic governors who proceeded him.
Youngkin is halfway through his gubernatorial term. Virginia’s term limits allow governors to serve only one term but do allow for previous governors to run again after a term away from office.