Due to support for anti-trans activist commencement speaker, do not attend Adrian College for theatre
OnStage Blog Editorial
We’re willing to bet that virtually none of you had Adrian College on your radar as a potential destination for majoring in theatre. In any case, due to their leadership’s support of having an anti-trans activist as their commencement speaker, we recommend not applying to this school, as we do not believe it to be a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community.
Last month, the school announced that for its 2024 commencement, they invited Riley Gaines to be the speaker. Gaines, a former NCAA competitive swimmer, has risen to national fame as a far right-wing figure and anti-trans activist. Gaines has been campaigning against the participation of transgender women in women’s sports.
While many others have debated that topic, Gaines has taken it a step forward by endorsing and encouraging behavior that threatens the safety of trans people.
Gaines has repeatedly and falsely claimed that trans women pose a sexual and physical threat to cisgender women, both in and out of the environment of athletics.
She encouraged retaliation against libraries and library staff (including doxxing) that refused to allow speakers to misgender people, a violation of library policy. A bomb threat later forced the evacuation of the library and an elementary school.
She compared gender transition to “blackface” and lied about Pride merchandise at Target stores and attempted to associate it with satanism.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLADD) has listed Gaines on their Accountability Project, which monitors and documents individual public figures and groups using their platforms to spread misinformation and false rhetoric against LGBTQ people, youth, and allies.
Gaines, while claiming to protect women’s rights, actually wants to make this world more dangerous for trans people and their families. No college should be inviting her to speak to their graduating class. But leadership at Adrian College isn’t just doing that; they’re doubling down on why.
Donald Trump and Riley Gaines (right). Photo: Instagram / @rileygbarker
“This is an important issue that should be discussed at colleges and universities throughout the United States,” said Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking. “Adrian College has never shied away from presenting and debating substantive disagreements on campus. In fact, this is precisely the purpose of universities — to engage in civil discourse of controversial issues. We welcome Riley Gaines to our beautiful campus, and we feel confident our students will be inspired by her commencement address.”
Andrea Milner, Adrian College Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, said the Adrian College community has always been open to discussion on a broad range of topics and she expects people will welcome the opportunity to hear what Gaines has to say.
“We look forward to providing Riley a welcoming atmosphere,” Milner said. “I’m excited to offer our graduates the opportunity to broaden their understanding of world issues and inspire them as they embark on their future endeavors.”
We’d like to ask President Docking what he hopes Gaines will inspire his students to do. Because all I’ve seen from her is encouragement to harass and endanger trans people.
And if this is something that Docking and Milner support, how will any trans person or member of the LGBTQ+ community feel safe at Adrian College?
Thankfully, a petition that calls for Gaines to be disinvited as commencement speaker is being circulated. It has over 1,600 signatures right now, Adrian’s total enrollment is just above 1,800.
The petition was started by a student club at Adrian called Safe Place. It states,
“We, as a club dedicated to LGBTQIA+ rights and the prevention of injustices on campus, are deeply concerned about the decision of Adrian College in Michigan to invite Riley Gaines as a speaker for this year's commencement ceremony. This decision is not only inappropriate but also discredits the graduates who may be in alliance with or a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Riley Gaines has been known for her controversial stands that are far from inclusive. Her presence at such an important event could potentially harm those who support or belong to our community. We must create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued, especially during such significant moments as graduation.
We urge Adrian College administration to reconsider their choice of speaker for this year's commencement ceremony. Let us ensure our graduation is a celebration that respects all students' identities and values inclusivity above all else.”
It was a reckless and idiotic decision to invite Gaines to be a commencement speaker. It’s even more egregious for school leadership to double down on defending Gaines and her dangerous rhetoric.
Until Adrian College disinvites Gaines and proves they are a safe place for LGBTQ+ students, we recommend not applying to major in theatre there or any other program for that matter.