South Dakota students weigh protest against university honors for homeland security chief Noem
May 5, 2025
Students and faculty at Dakota State University are facing free speech concerns for the first time now that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is set to deliver the commencement speech May 10. The university president also nominated former South Dakota governor to receive an honorary doctorate. While there is support on both sides, faculty and students have been fearful to express opinions on Noem’s nomination publicly, fearing retaliation from DHS and the university. The school hosts hundreds of international students who fear their student status could be revoked.