WSU Tech cancels Ivanka Trump’s commencement speech

Wichita State University and WSU Tech canceled Ivanka Trump’s commencement speech without explanation Thursday in a late-night news release following a public outcry from faculty, students and alumni.

The joint university statement, which posted online late Thursday night, said the school’s plans have “refocused more centrally on students” and that Trump will be replaced by nursing graduate Rebecca Zinabu.

“Earlier today, WSU Tech announced that Ivanka Trump, advisor to President Donald Trump, is a planned speaker at the college’s virtual commencement this weekend,” said the statement by Wichita State president Jay Golden and WSU Tech president Sheree Utash.

“The WSU Tech commencement plans have been refocused more centrally on students – student voices in particular. Rebecca Zinabu, WSU Tech practical nursing graduate, will now be the only commencement speaker during the ceremony.”

Pressure was on the Wichita State administration after Jennifer Ray, associate professor of photo media, authored a scathing open letter asking the university to cancel Trump. It circulated on social media quickly and had 487 signatures from concerned faculty, students and alumni by 11 p.m.

In the letter, Ray wrote that she was “horrified and disgusted” that Trump had been invited to speak at the ceremony and that doing so sent the wrong message about the public university’s commitment to diversity.

“Ivanka Trump, obviously, represents her father’s administration as one of his closest advisors,” Ray wrote. “To many Americans, that administration has come to signify the worst of our country, particularly in its recent actions toward those peacefully protesting against racist police brutality. This is not about politics and policy; some of the sharpest critiques of President Trump’s actions come from prominent members of his own party, from figures like former Defense Secretary James Mattis and President George W. Bush.”

In a news release early Thursday, Trump said she was honored to speak to the 750-plus WSU Tech graduates. Trump is familiar with WSU Tech after visiting its National Center for Aviation Training last fall.

“The relevant and in-demand training they have obtained is critical to rebuilding our economy for the long-term,” she said. “Especially during these difficult times, we must recognize and celebrate each graduates’ hard work and dedication - it is their skills and talent that will help propel America into a brighter and more prosperous future.”

Trump’s fall visit was alongside Sen. Jerry Moran and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. WSU Tech president Utash was appointed by President Trump to the American Workforce Policy Advisory board, which is co-chaired by Ivanka Trump, in 2019.

On the board, Utash works with “Ms. Trump on ways businesses, educational institutions, and the government can promote multiple pathways to career success and modernize candidate recruitment and training practices,” according to the release. Utash said Trump knows how tech schools can help meet the demand of skilled laborers.

“Because of her dedication to this cause I couldn’t think of anyone better to address our 2020 graduates,” Utash said. “WSU Tech is honored and excited that she graciously accepted to be a part of this truly unique occasion.”

A separate statement by Utash later Thursday night offered further details about the decision. She acknowledged “the timing of the announcement was insensitive” and apologized.

The graduation ceremony will be live-streamed at 3 p.m. on the WSU Tech Facebook page and at wsutech.edu/graduation. The joint-statement said WSU Tech graduates will have the option to hear prerecorded congratulatory messages from more than 30 speakers.

Utash’s statement says a recorded speech by Ivanka Trump will be one of the options.

“I respect and understand the sharply divided reaction to today’s announcement,” she said. “The college stands with those who fight injustice and advocate for social equity, and we’re profoundly proud of the diversity and social change being brought forth by our students, alumni, faculty, and staff.”

This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 2:08 PM.