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It’s graduation day at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) as gowned graduates ready to step into the real-world, turn tail at the first sight of dissenting views. An orchestrated walkout was executed at the commencement address by Governor Glenn Youngkin, clearly exposing the students’ underlying intention – inert protest against Republican principles.

Tales of the protest that unfolded Saturday morning have flooded the news cycles, providing fodder for critics. Glowing with youthful rebellion, these VCU graduates chose to squander an opportunity for respectful dialogue in the spirit of protest. It wasn’t unforeseen, mind you. When VCU officials denied requests by the local NAACP to rescind Youngkin’s invitation, it set the stage for the rather petulant display that ultimately unfolded.

These left-leaning graduates, eager to express their support for Palestine and opposition to Governor Youngkin’s Republican policies, entirely missed the point of a commencement. This hallmark event is a celebration of academic achievement, not a political rally. Brandishing scarves and placards, the protesters hijacked an event that should have unified their class and instead created an atmosphere of rancor and discord.

A common disagreement lies in Youngkin’s insistence on the inclusion of parents in shaping their children’s educational curricula. This straightforward policy, viewed as malevolent only by the likes of those hypersensitive students, was another bone of contention, triggering their misguided protest.

Denied re-entry to the event, many students paraded around in complete disregard, merrily stating it was worth incurring their family’s irritation. Their perceived victory of protest meant more to them than the ceremonious capstone of their academic journey.

In their zeal to protest, they rallied with chants and slogans, disrupting an otherwise solemn occasion. The usual post-ceremonial claims of victory ensued, with demonstrators converging at a local park in an attempted show of unity.

As expected, social media provided a mixed bag of reactions. Some applauded the students’ brash defiance of the Governor’s presence while others rightfully recognized the display as an uncalled-for insult to their peers, who simply wished to cherish the recognition of years of hard-earned work.

This incident underscores the widening chasm in our society, where respect for differing viewpoints has been cast aside. The eagerness of these students to depart from civility and disrupt an occasion of achievement and shared joy is an indication of deeply-rooted discord, a far cry from the foundations on which this great nation was built.

The culmination of years of academic effort marred by unnecessary political drama raises serious questions. Maybe those who walked out can benefit from a lesson in basic human respect. The idea of respecting dissenting views might be a valuable addition to their repertoire of life skills, particularly if they wish to thrive in the diverse society that awaits them beyond the confines of their University bubble.

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