Cultural center still offering ‘rainbow cords’ for graduation caps
State and federal directives about diversity, equity, and inclusion programs prompted the University of Louisville to abruptly cancel a “Lavender Graduation” ceremony for LGBTQ students this month.
However, the Kentucky university’s Cultural & Equity Center still is offering “rainbow cords” for students to wear on the graduation caps, according to an Instagram post. The LGBTQ community has adopted the rainbow as a symbol of “pride” in individuals’ sexual identities.
“Due to recent changes, the University of Louisville will not be hosting a Lavender Graduation this year,” the center wrote last week on Instagram. “However, ALL students are still welcome to pick up a rainbow cord — no matter your gender, race, sexual orientation, or any part of your identity.”
“Congrats to all the graduates — your journey matters, and your pride is valid,” it wrote.
The university canceled the Lavender Graduation less than 24 hours before it was scheduled to take place on April 21, the student newspaper The Louisville Cardinal reports.
The university’s Cultural and Equity Center and the Pride Alumni Council hosted the event annually for a number of years, according to the report:
“It’s devastating,” said Byron Terry, director of the LGBT Center. “It’s going to be even more difficult to create space for students who may have never been heard before or seen before.”
Scheduled for April 21 at 3 p.m., the cancellation was announced the same day. According to a statement made by John Karman, UofL’s Interim VP of Communications and Marketing, the decision was made following the state’s new anti-DEI policies. He specified that no other graduation ceremonies had been canceled to his knowledge.
“UofL remains committed to its mission and values to be inclusive for all. We pride ourselves on our dedication to creating a sense of belonging for every member of the Cardinal community,” he said. “While some things are changing, who we are, what we believe, and the values we hold dear have not and will not change.”
Anti-DEI efforts are significantly increasing at the state and federal levels, largely due to the Trump administration’s dismantling of its programs and repercussions for institutions that do not comply. Kentucky’s passing of House Bill 4 only adds to the pressure, as it forces public universities to stop funding DEI initiatives and training, and close all related offices by June 30.
Despite the cancelation, the community is organizing a “celebration” for LGBTQ+ graduates at a gay bar in the city. The event will include refreshments, merchandise, performances, and “love and support,” according to the student newspaper.
Earlier this month, the University of Kentucky also canceled its Lavender Graduation and two other ceremonies specifically for black and first-generation students, the Louisville Courier Journal reports.
University leaders pointed to the state ban on DEI programs, as well as similar actions by the Trump administration at the federal level.
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IMAGE CAPTION AND CREDIT: The LGBT Center of the University of Louisville announces the cancelation of its 2025 Lavender Graduation ceremony. LGBT Center of University of Louisville/Instagram