CNN: Colleges are canceling affinity graduations due to anti-DEI policies. Here is how students are preserving the traditions

SALT LAKE CITY — Project Rainbow Utah recently facilitated several Lavender Graduations after Utah schools canceled their events.

CNN featured Project Rainbow’s events in a write-up about the nationwide trend affecting affinity graduations, check out an excerpt from their story below or click here for the full article.

“Members of the LGBTQ+ community have also seen their traditional Lavender Graduations canceled at schools across the country due to anti-DEI policies at both the state and federal levels.

Last year, Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs from higher education, the public education system and government employers.

Jacey Thornton, executive director of Project Rainbow Utah, said that the law led to the closure of resource centers focused on gender, race and identity at colleges and universities. It also meant that universities would no longer support the Lavender Graduations that celebrate the achievements of LGBTQ+ graduates.”