Dakota State University is not experiencing the protests that are taking place in other colleges across the United States. Nearly 4,000 students at Dakota State University, located in rural South Dakota, have been concentrating on their studies and job searches, avoiding politics or partisan groups.

Until now.

The University administration decided to confer an honorary degree on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and invited her on May 10 to deliver a commencement address. This brought politics to campus.

Students in response have planned a protest on graduation day against the former South Dakota Governor and the Trump Administration. They expect protestors to join them from all over southeast South Dakota.

They are speaking out on behalf of their peers who fear losing their legal status because the immigration policies being implemented by Noem, under her supervision, are unjust. Also, they are expected to protest Noem’s anti-LGBT policies during her tenure as governor.

Some students and professors also thought that the honorary doctorate was too much of an honor for her to receive.

Many DSU students are uncertain if they should speak out or remain silent to avoid the punishments that students from more vocal colleges have suffered.

Daniel Spencer, a humanities teacher, said: “The atmosphere is tense. Students are afraid to speak up.”

The students in the renowned cybersecurity program of this university have historically been reluctant to express their political views, for fear that they could be retaliated against when they seek jobs with government or private companies.

The location of DSU in Madison, an unincorporated town located about one hour northwest of Sioux Falls, is also a factor.

Professor Emeritus Dale Droge said, “Many students are from rural South Dakota, and there is a little reluctance to confront authority.” We don’t have many students who are interested in political science or history, who could be considering these civil rights-type actions.

DSU has hundreds of international students who are considering their options. They have not yet been affected by the recent DHS action. The agency terminated the status of over 1,000 international students before changing course and announcing a new policy.

Anden Wieseler is a DSU student and vice president of the student senate. He said that international students from across campus have expressed their fear of having their visas revoked.

DSU chose Noem as it was her “unwavering commitment to Dakota State” that led her to be elected governor. University spokesperson Andrew Sogn stated in a press release.

Noem helped secure millions in funding for the university and cemented the school’s position as a leader in cybersecurity, Sogn stated.

Sogn stated that “she was asked to make remarks to DSU graduates in recognition of her distinguished career and groundbreaking achievements in public service and her numerous efforts to help the citizens of South Dakota as well as the country.”

Noem’s office has not responded to a comment request.

The DSU president, Jose-Marie Griffiths, has nominated Noem for an honorary degree, but the university refused to disclose details. Wiesler stated that the general faculty and the student senate both voted against Noem’s nomination. Only one student senator voted in favor, he said.

Tyler Sprik is a student senator and a freshman. He said, “There’s a fear of speaking out on this issue among many international students, due to the current political climate.” “It’s partly because other senators and I can do it, that’s why we’re so involved.”

Also, faculty members are reluctant to express their views publicly. Some claimed that the administration had discouraged them from speaking with the media or attending student rallies. Some cited President Donald Trump’s increased scrutiny of higher education as a reason to be cautious.

Some students claimed they feared retaliation from the administration. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to the AP because they did not want to risk their jobs.

Sogn explained that while faculty members at DSU are free to speak to the media, they are not afforded as many protections as in other states because of a state law that will be passed by 2020, which will ban faculty unions for public colleges.

Droge finds it troubling that people are reluctant to speak up.

Droge stated that it was “very concerning” that not only Dakota State but so many other institutions have reached a stage where people are afraid to express themselves freely, even about issues such as free speech, principles, and ethics. These things are not against the university, but they’re about allowing people to speak their minds freely.

Some faculty members said that having a prominent figure attend commencement could take the attention away from the graduates.

Stephen Krebsbach is a professor of computer science. He said, “The most common concern I hear from students and faculty is that the commencement will be disrupted, as we feel it is important for the students who are present.”

Many students are still preparing for this rally.

“The students’ attitude is clear. No honor for Noem. Give commencement back to the graduates and listen to us,” Sprik said.