Commencement speeches often reveal a lot about higher education, sometimes in ways we don’t expect. For every country singer who touches hearts with messages about family and purpose, there seem to be multiple speakers grappling with student protests or feeling silenced themselves.
This reflects today’s campus reality. While a few institutions are raising their standards and offering valuable experiences, many others are leaving students feeling disappointed and financially burdened.
This year, Eric Church, a well-known singer-songwriter, was praised for his address at the University of North Carolina, where he emphasized the value of close relationships and family ties. It was a refreshing change. Conservative voices have long pointed out that many American universities seem to have lost their way, neglecting their role in guiding students toward maturity and purpose.
Take, for example, the controversy during the 2026 graduation at New York University. There, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist known for his critiques of cancel culture, was met with boos and students walking out. In South Carolina, lieutenant governor Pamela Everett was disinvited from speaking due to her past comments on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Once again, it felt like the loudest voices were drowning out others.
This trend isn’t limited to just one school. Similar incidents have occurred this year at institutions like Drexel University and Rutgers University, reflecting a broader pattern of disinviting speakers or reacting to dissent.
A university should be a space for vibrant discussions. Yet, instead of engaging with differing viewpoints, many face cancellations and even threats. This issue is echoed by numerous experts and university leaders who argue that the current state of higher education is more troubling than many realize.
If the offices dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion truly aimed to foster dialogue, their efforts have largely missed the mark. The prevailing ideological uniformity among faculty has left students craving genuine debate and the quest for truth.
As noted in a recent book on the topic, the original goals of liberal education—cultivating knowledge, beauty, and civic virtues—have been overshadowed by bureaucracy and activism.
Universities should inspire students to pursue truth. Achieving that requires leadership willing to uphold academic integrity. I mean, what do policies even mean if they don’t contribute to a community resilient enough to stand against intimidation?
Legislative changes and law enforcement can help, but real cultural change on campus hinges on whether university leaders are prepared to defend truth and reject all forms of racism. Without that commitment from the top, the effort to restore rationality on campus can only go so far.
Having both served in various educational roles, it’s concerning to see so many graduates receiving their diplomas with apprehension towards challenging ideas.
A thriving university atmosphere needs more than just academic qualifications. It demands the cultivation of individuals capable of thoughtful discussion and moral reasoning.
Administrators and boards need to spearhead a significant moral overhaul within their campuses, using every available resource to promote environments where students can learn, debate, and develop virtuous character.
It begins with reestablishing high standards for academic achievement—like Harvard’s recent move to limit the number of A’s awarded—and a total rejection of racism on campus. Moreover, tackling the federal student loan system is crucial. Encouraging steps have already been taken to enhance cooperation between the U.S. Department of Education and the Treasury.
If the U.S. aims to pave its way into a prosperous future, we can’t allow successive generations of students to be educated in fear rather than curiosity. The upcoming generation deserves institutions that reflect their abilities and aspirations. The journey to rebuild these foundations must start now.
