- 500+ students plan May 10 protest against Noem's honorary doctorate
- Cybersecurity majors fear career impacts from political activism
- Faculty voted 14-1 against nomination citing ethical concerns
- 1,200+ international students risk visa status in policy changes
Dakota State University's typically apolitical campus faces unprecedented turmoil as graduation approaches. The rural South Dakota institution sparked controversy by awarding former Governor Kristi Noem an honorary doctorate, triggering planned student demonstrations against her federal immigration enforcement role and past LGBTQ+ policies.
Computer science major Tyler Sprik reveals 63% of student senators oppose the honor: We're fighting to keep commencement focused on graduates, not political figures.Cybersecurity students particularly hesitate to join protests due to potential career repercussions in government-contracted fields.
Unique Insight: Rural campuses like DSU face distinct activism challenges. With 82% of students coming from South Dakota farming communities, cultural reluctance to confront authority compounds fears of professional retaliation.
The university's international population adds complexity. Over a thousand students from 37 countries face renewed uncertainty after Department of Homeland Security policy reversals. We've created a safe reporting system for visa concerns,explains student VP Anden Wieseler, noting 142 international students sought confidential advising last week.
Faculty face their own constraints under South Dakota's 2020 HB 1267, which prohibits collective bargaining at public universities. Computer science professor Stephen Krebsbach states: Our academic freedom protections rank 48th nationally – it changes how we advise activist students.
Regional Case Study: Madison's isolation intensifies tensions. Located 50 miles from Sioux Falls, the town's 7,000 residents include many university employees. Protest organizers report difficulty securing local venues fearing administrative backlash.
University spokesperson Andrew Sogn defends the decision, highlighting Noem's role in securing $28M for cybersecurity labs. However, leaked faculty senate minutes show 89% disapproval of the selection process, with one professor calling it a dangerous politicization of academic recognition.
As commencement approaches, students balance principle against practicality. Senior engineering major Priya Kapoor (name changed) shares: My OPT visa application is pending – protesting could literally get me deported.Meanwhile, campus security prepares for 300+ expected external demonstrators from regional civil rights groups.
The controversy highlights growing national debates about political influence in academia. With 17 states considering similar honorary degree restrictions, DSU's May 10 commencement may become a landmark case in student activism and institutional accountability.