The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is set to recognize Native American graduates through its own convocation ceremony. This initiative comes in response to the Maricopa County Community College District’s recent cancellation of cultural graduations.
The district made this decision after receiving warnings from the U.S. Department of Education about potential funding cuts linked to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. As a result, celebrations for various cultural groups, including Indian Americans, Hispanics, and African Americans, were also discontinued.
Tribal president Martin Harvier emphasized the importance of acknowledging the achievements of Native American students, stating, “I just believe as tribal communities, we just need to make sure our voices are heard that we do not agree with those orders that have been given.”
Harvier, featured in a video announcing the ceremony, highlighted the community’s connection to Scottsdale Community College, located on Salt River land, as a significant reason for holding the alternative event. “Being that Scottsdale Community College is located in Salt River and so many of our members received their education from SCC, we knew we had to do something to address this issue,” he explained.
Despite the cancellation, the Maricopa County Community College District expressed gratitude towards the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for organizing the celebration. A district spokesperson conveyed appreciation for the community’s efforts and reaffirmed the district’s strong relationship with the tribes in a statement to KJZZ.
KJZZ is licensed to the Maricopa County Community College District.
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