On Nov. 13, the Brandeis student body received an email from the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Carol Fierke, about the student Commencement speakers and the selection process for such an honor. This editorial board believes that the voices that represent our graduating class at Commencement should truly embody the diversity, resilience and dynamism of our student body; with the launch of this year’s Richard Kaufman ’58 Memorial Prize for Leadership and Academic Excellence, the opportunity to reflect on what — and whom — our community values most in this significant moment has never been more important. 

While academic excellence and leadership are undeniably key criteria for this honor, we must also prioritize speakers who bring unique perspectives to the stage. Specifically, this editorial board is advocating for the selection of a queer or Black, Indigenous and People of Color undergraduate as one of this year’s speakers. Representation matters, and we believe that commencement is the perfect opportunity to elevate voices that have been historically marginalized within academia and beyond.

The annual Commencement speeches serve as a symbolic closing chapter to our university experience. They resonate because they reflect the lived experiences of the speakers and connect those stories to the broader challenges and triumphs of our graduating class. For many students in our university community, seeing a speaker who shares their identity — whether as a queer student, a student of color or both — would serve as an inspiring reminder that their voices belong on the same platform as any other. Moreover, such representation signals our university’s commitment to inclusion and equity, showcasing our dedication to celebrating all facets of our student body.

Queer and BIPOC students often navigate additional layers of complexity and difficulty in their journeys through higher education; they face systemic barriers and social challenges that their peers may not experience, making their successes all the more remarkable. Their voices are vital, not just because of their distinct identities, but because they bring fresh perspectives to conversations about leadership, community-building and the role of education in fostering a better world.

The Richard Kaufman ’58 Memorial Prize emphasizes leadership and a commitment to improving the world. These qualities are often found in abundance among students who have had to work harder to carve out space for themselves and make their voices heard within institutions not always designed for them. By selecting a queer or BIPOC student as an undergraduate speaker, the selection committee would not only highlight individual excellence but also underscore the broader values of equity, progress and inclusion that our university aspires to uphold.

We would like to call on students, faculty and staff to actively participate in the selection process by nominating candidates who bring these perspectives to the table; this process is most meaningful when it draws from a wide and diverse pool of nominations. Those who are nominating should consider the impact that a speaker’s identity and experiences could have on the wider audience, particularly on younger students who may look to them as role models. As a reminder, as per Fierke’s email, the nomination forms open on Nov. 25 and remains open until Dec. 8; we encourage students to keep an eye on their inboxes for the follow-up email containing the requisite links to the forms. 

Commencement is more than just a ceremony — it is a platform to celebrate the values that unite and strengthen our community. By championing diversity in the selection of our speakers, we can ensure that the stories shared at this milestone event inspire and resonate with everyone in attendance. Let us take this opportunity to uplift voices that have not always been heard but are essential to shaping the inclusive and dynamic future of our university.