General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe University of Alabama is threatening
to withhold the degree of any student who protests Trump’s entirely inappropriate commencement appearance.
They are hiding the threat behind a screen where students have to go to register for tickets.
I’m sorry I can’t figure out how to post an image of a screen capture, but I promise you this is real.

BOSSHOG
(42,767 posts)That’s what I spent three decades in Uniform supporting and defending. The righ to suppress freedom. As if Alabama could be any more embarrassed.
Grins
(8,465 posts)I regret all of it.
BOSSHOG
(42,767 posts)Strange twist for us. Put our Dicks on the line. For what?
Old Crank
(5,755 posts)As a naturalized citizen. Beginning to look like the wrong choice since the GOP is spitting, or worse, on the Constitution.
dutch777
(4,555 posts)BOSSHOG
(42,767 posts)And there ain’t nothing religious about me.
walkingman
(9,368 posts)the ethics and morality of our population. Especially those that call themselves conservative.
Bernardo de La Paz
(56,409 posts)Bettie
(18,378 posts)who graduated college did the ceremony. They are happy with the degree.
AverageJoe
(2,397 posts)It’s a special, ticketed event only open to graduating seniors and, I suppose, their guests. So, graduates can still attend their official commencement ceremonies without the abomination being present.
That said, I would love it if a big chunk of the graduates simply refused to show up at all in protest.
The university is shaming itself. It is disgraceful.
Mossfern
(3,916 posts)because of the Blizzard of 1969. I used to have nightmares that I never really graduated from college because I was missing a credit for phys ed. (Yes there was a requirement back then, but I wasn't missing a credit) I would go downstairs to find my diploma on the bookshelf just to make sure. I chose not to go to the graduation ceremony for grad school - just too much hassle. I have my piece of paper.
Is this move by the U of Alabama legal?
Can they be sued for abridgment of 1st amendment rights?
LA Blue Bengal
(39 posts)after I graduated in 1992. I dreamed that I was missing an English credit and I had to go back to take the class or my degree would be rescinded. I had to dig out my transcript a few times just to make sure I had all my credits 😆
Phoenix61
(18,384 posts)college wanted my degree back.
Diamond_Dog
(37,290 posts)Like I needed one more class to graduate and I forgot to go to it all semester and just remembered it at the last minute, and then I couldn’t find the classroom in the building, couldn’t find my book or syllabus, etc.
yellowcanine
(36,516 posts)way to class and I realize I am stark naked but no one seems to notice so I carry on.
sop
(14,667 posts)No, the school cannot withhold a degree. The First Amendment still applies at public universities, even in Alabama.
https://www.freedomforum.org/protesting-on-college-campuses/
edhopper
(36,124 posts)imaging graduating and trying to find work while you are spending resources on a legal battle to get your degree from your University.
sop
(14,667 posts)edhopper
(36,124 posts)Which is worse?
sop
(14,667 posts)Roll Tide!

Aristus
(70,140 posts)
Henry203
(600 posts)Complaining how the world is unfair to him.
blubunyip
(181 posts)--University Capitulation photo op.
Students and Professors should boycott. Just not be there.
onenote
(45,328 posts)Last edited Sun Apr 27, 2025, 11:01 AM - Edit history (1)
See post #19
Attendance at the speech is optional and is separate from commencement activities. If a graduating student doesn't want to attend -- and I fervently hope most would opt not to attend although I fear that probably is not going to be the case -- they don't have to.
https://news.ua.edu/president-trump-address-to-graduates/
AverageJoe
(2,397 posts)But here is a portion of the text:
“Because of the heightened security measures in place for this event, any student who is found to have engaged in inappropriate disruptive behavior at this voluntary ceremony will be subject to discipline, campus ban, and degrees may be held pending the outcome of student conduct proceedings.”
If you read this differently than I do, so be it. I think any reading of this as being other than a threat is incredibly naive.
Take your “BS” insult and shove it.
onenote
(45,328 posts)Silent Type
(9,986 posts)"Attendance at Trump’s address is optional for the spring 2025 graduates and the commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 2 through May 4 will still be held as planned."
https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/2025/04/25/what-we-know-president-donald-trumps-university-of-alabama-speech/83253505007/
With that said, it's not that hard to believe there are folks at UA who believe graduates should bow down to trump.
AverageJoe
(2,397 posts)That you can’t see unless you are registering for tickets.
Nigrum Cattus
(631 posts)pathetic and
Celerity
(50,333 posts)AverageJoe
(2,397 posts)How do I post it?
Celerity
(50,333 posts)AverageJoe
(2,397 posts)

OrlandoDem2
(2,888 posts)Fuck all the toothless rednecks that support him.
Botany
(74,405 posts)… by the force of law if it makes Krasnov upset. The Crimson Tide needs to decide what side
they want to be on. The patriotic doing the right thing side and standing up for free speech or
helping Krasnov and his Hitlerian Dictatorship desires.
Does the U. of A. want another stain on it reputation like this one from 60+ years ago?
harumph
(2,764 posts)Still.
maspaha
(500 posts)…give him a tiny crowd and deprive him of a large audience. Make the story about the absence of support. Orange dude values being adored…deprive him!
OrlandoDem2
(2,888 posts)DENVERPOPS
(12,574 posts)will be, any student expressing freedom of speech, critical of anyone/anything about a Republican or Republican Party will be expelled from their college, and permanently banned from any college, public or private.........
I can only imagine this scenario spreading like wildfire through every institution in every red state across America.....
Mr. Sparkle
(3,443 posts)Exp
(379 posts)
wolfie001
(5,281 posts)Southern hospitality to me means, "See ya later. I'm heading North!"