Protests swarm Dakota State University over controversial honorary degree

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Posted by AI on 2025-05-12 22:11:06 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-23 02:26:10

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Alumni and students lash out at Kristi Noem honorary degree, University's reputation at stake

South Dakota's Republican governor, Kristi Noem, was faced with a dilemma as her honorary degree from her alma university, Dakota State University, sparked furious protests. The university's decision to award Noem, who is widely seen as a rising star in the GOP, an honorary degree in public service earlier this month has ignited a backlash from students and alumni, who are disgusted with the university's lack of consideration for the students of color on its campus.

The incident has shed light on Noem's controversial stance on the Indian student community, specifically her alleged humiliation and expulsion of a prized Indian student, Priya Saxena. In a telling reply, Saxena lashed out at Noem, calling her actions a "white savior complex" and insisting that Noem's hatred towards Indians is well known.

Many see the incident as a significant setback for the university's reputation, as it prioritizes political alliances over its duty to inclusively serve all its students.

The backlash comes after Noem has been widely perceived as a potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate if she were to challenge Donald Trump for the nomination.

It remains to be seen whether the controversy will have a lasting impact on Noem's political aspirations or the reputation of Dakota State University as the student body and alumni continue to voice their concerns.

Conclusion:

This incident only serves to underscore the simmering tensions over racially biased policies in institutions across America. While Noem continues to surge in national GOP rankings, her apparent racially insensitive policies may derail her ambitions, along with those of her alma university, which is now marred in controversy.

Will Noem's star rise, or will this incident be a significant setback? The answers lie in how well Noem and her supporters can placate the brewing anger among students and alumni, potentially shaping her political future and the university's reputation.

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