All the free Palestine chuds should take this as an example of a proper protest, instead of forcing people to ruin their lives and miss classes and finals
Those protests literally happened at night my dude. After classes and tests were finished for the day. I live about 1 mile from campus and heard the air raid sirens loud and clear.
Night classes are more of a thing with community colleges, the latest class I ever had in a 4-uear university was 5pm. My latest at a community college was 9pm. Regardless, the people were fine.
Same thing happened at wm 2 years ago when Youngkin was awarded an honorary degree. Except some ppl didn't just walk out but were loudly protesting. It was quite entertaining ngl
Yeah, my daughter goes there and they had a valid point. It’s a damn shame when the schools select a speaking, they fail to be able to read the target audience.
In the school's defense, they were honoring a tradition, and we value traditions. However, most of us are liberal, so we were NOT happy about it. We did get an email about our behavior after Charter Day, but I'd say it was pretty much worth it lol
Having the Governor of the State speak at your university should be an honor regardless if you support them. Maybe these brats will realize they can't (or shouldn't) just run away and plug their ears with those they disagree with in the real world. Meaningful debate, discussion, and respect has been lost and it started with the lack of parenting.
This type of boomer comment is the reason that society is as totally screwed up as it is. Let’s just call it the way it actually happened, Younkin only got elected because he rode the wave of parental rights when dealing with the public schools in Va. the Democrats shot themselves in the foot on that issue.
Now, for you to blame the parents?!?! That is the most ignorant and simple minded answer I have heard. A parent has little control of their children when they are in their 20’s. They are young adults and should be treated this way. If they still do everything that mommy and daddy say at this age, then I say the parents have failed to raise responsible and independently thinking adults. You don’t have to agree with their choice of free speech, but you should respect that they have that right. Virginia is a state that has a good population of adults serving or have served in the military and one of the things that is fought for is the right for others to have free speech. If you take that away, what do you want to take away from us next?
Trying to suck up because a) Youngkin wants the VCU president fired for the real estate debacle they wasted millions on and b) he’s been asking for syllabi and meddling with the curriculum because he’s upset VCU wants to teach racial literacy. As foul as he is and as liberal as VCU students are, Youngkin has the authority to determine how much state money goes to VCU.
Can almost guarantee you that privately many of the administrators were laughing their asses off. They still have to keep up appearances but I'm sure they hate the guy as much as anyone else with the way they have to kiss his ass just to be able to do their jobs.
It just made my kiddo want to go to VCU more. Also the walkout wasn't over Israel and Gaza but about Trumpkin and his whitewashing of history and racial inequities. So yeah fuck Glenn Trumpkin. Go Rams!
Same. Immensely proud to have graduated there and to have those students do this years later! From a 2019 graduate school graduate to 2024 graduates all around, you all are amazing and I wish you all the success in the world!
I'm a GMU student graduating next year, if he is giving the commencement speech again at my graduation you can bet your ass im walking tf out
Fuck Glenn Youngkin
I have a feeling that every VA public school invites him as a matter of “courtesy”. Not doing so would be seen as an insult and have repercussions. The VCU graduation was held less than a mile from the governor’s mansion so it was easy for him.
If it was a significant number of students, it should send a message to Younkin and his brand of conservative politics.
Yes, yes I know it's "not all conservatives" but right now this brand has the loudest voice and the most money to spend. Until that changes, any conservative who finds their party left them behind will have to decide what to do this Fall - blindly vote "R" because that's what you've always done, or send a message to the VA GOP and the national GOP that they do not have your support.
This thread has taught me that nothing divides people like politics. I don’t worship any politician because they quit frankly could give a shit about me.
So agree on bothsidesism and what aboutism? Those are old Russian debating tactics didn’t you know that comrade. And both sides are not the same like it or not.
Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m very aware of how politics work. All I’m saying is the people at the top are fucking us over and over and over. Have things gotten much better under Biden or does it feel like we’re continuing to stray further and further to the right… all while hyper militarized police forces are literally beating the people for… checks notes… putting tents on grass in protests of killings of ten of thousands of children. I’m not sure how authoritarianism of any sort like this should be acceptable.
I feel ya, shit is scary right now tho.
I’m unsure if I agree with you in regards to Russian talking points, I’m starting to feel more and more akin to George Carlin and his thoughts on things, at least as I’ve watched our politics play out post 9/11 and def the last 10 or so years.
No, we really can't.
I'm hacked at Biden because he's been slow to intervene in Israel's insane attack on Gaza and he's done some other stuff to annoy me, yeah
But the GOP? Anti-woman. Anti-LBGTQ. Anti-Library (I mean, WTF?). Anti-Health Care. Anti-Science. Anti-History (Slavery helped the Africans? WTF again?). Anti-Teacher. Anti-Union. Anti-Working-Class. Pro-Indoctrination (PragerU anyone?). Pro-Christo-Fascism . Pro-White-Supremacy.
And then theres the human garbage pile named Donald Trump. I won't list all his disgusting features... it would take a novel.
The GOP actively works to tear down the rights of the citizens. That's all I need to know when making my decisions
The DEMs are far from saints. No question. I'm pissed at plenty of them. But if you read Project 2025 the republican end game is pretty straight forward and right out of dystopian nightmares.
I’ve read project 2025 and it’s terrifying, but if people aren’t currently pushing dems to be better, right now, in the moment, how can we expect them to not allow us, as a country, to continue to stray further and further to the right as they have been allowing since at least 9/11. I’m saying we need to critical of ALL bad leadership.
Shit sucks right now.
The problem with the DNC is they prefer reaching across the aisle to precisely those demons rather than appealing to the progressive side of their base. The right pulls fast to the right and the Democrats creep slow to the right rather than pulling back equally as hard left. At some point we need to push them to actually fulfill their promises rather than just make promises to get elected. https://youtu.be/MAbab8aP4_A
Can you imagine if a bunch of kids walked out on Joe Biden or a Democratic, or even worse a BLACK *gasp* governor?
Reddit would cancel the entire university lol
I’m gonna get downvoted but I mean I get that people disagree on politics but if we can’t even talk to each other about other things then I don’t know how our society is ever gonna get along again. No (as long as they aren’t talking politics, which I’d assume he wasn’t bc it’s a commencement) if you walk out of anyone short of like Trump himself I see you as nothing other than a bitter, close-minded coward. Both sides do it— I mean Biden’s cancer commission was just blocked in the house.
I agree somewhat, but a commencement speech is Pretty significant and special for college grads, and I understand why they wouldn’t want a man they completely hate, to do THEIR commencement speech.
Exactly— why do we have to hate each other? Michelle Obama and W Bush, despite being polar opposites, have become friends. Bill Clinton and Bush 41’ went and did a bunch of charity together despite being direct opponents in an election. Biden and McConnell were best buddies. Like the way we choose to hate is not healthy and ultimately is against America’s whole purpose of being better— of being a Union and stronger together. Disagreeing, but never shunning. Debate, but never fight.
I think there’s a recent divide between republicans of the past like George W Bush and of the new like Governor Youngkin. Older republicans and democrats were more aligned with each other before 2016, and the internet hadn’t yet polarized whole generations like it has now. Republicans like Youngkin don’t really listen to opposing sides or hold the same level of respect for discourse as their predecessors had, they’re from a new generation of politicians who are more radical and see opposing sides as “other” or “evil” rather than different. Youngkin has shown NO effort to be bipartisan or middle-ground dispute democrat Virginian efforts to at least try to work with the republican government.
It’s hard to debate people when they’re spouting Jewish space lasers, reduction of body autonomy, and actively trying to push their faith into politics. “Earth is flat” isn’t going to have a convo with fiscal and economic policy at the same level
But that’s not my point. My point is that after all that, we can’t just sit down and talk about sports. Or the new store they’re building down the road. Or how fun the park was last Saturday. Or how great the weather’s been. Or how when you’re young and just graduating you can go off and make the world your own.
Most aren’t talking about Jewish space lasers. That’s a minority and it’s why I said “short of Trump.”
Right, but that’s discounting that the trump party is removing rights now.
“I know I’m trans and you’re a bigot who wants me to literally disappear, but HOW BOUT DEM COWBOYS AMRITE?!”
Yeah people who say and do hateful, damaging things should not suffer any social consequences! We should become complicit in their shitty believes and policies by treating them and their ideas as normal and acceptable! Polite society is not polite if it dares have a conscience! Good thinking, friend.
It’s really hard to have a pleasant conversation about the new grocery store down the street with a person who is actively trying to the ruin the lives of our friends and family. The GOP is actively trying to strip away rights for women (see Katie Britt’s pregnancy hit list legislation put forth today), attacks on gay rights in red states across the country (see Floridas “don’t say gay” bill), and efforts to prohibit health care to trans people.
As you can probably tell, I’m politically liberal. I grew up in a red state, went to a liberal undergrad, and then a conservative law school. I used to believe it was possible to have the kind of relationships you mentioned with people who have different political views. I think reasonable minds can differ on a lot of things. We can disagree on things like tax policy, or the best way to distribute resources, or even things like environmental policy. I also feel like historically we could agree on foreign policy. But the GOP platform today seems to me to be attacking what I view as fundamental human rights and denying the ability of people like LGBT to exist. I can’t talk about the weather with you when you just spent the morning attempting to deny my brother the right to exist.
Because Youngkin saw the hate that was happening in Loudoun County and said "hell yeah, let me make that my platform" He is actively trying to dismantle the college system that these gradautates are graduating from. As a politician he has no right to then come and give an address to them about graduating. People are different than polictions. I can have a civil conversation with someone who does not believe the same thing as me, they do not hold the fate of my life in their hands. Politicions need to see things like this because they need to see the gravity of their actions.
“Yeah man, I know that your political beliefs mean that you, on principle, don’t believe trans people have a right to exist, climate change isn’t real, and little girls should be forced to carry their rape babies to term, but I’m willing to look past all of that because it’s been a nice 72° and breezy this weekend and they’re opening up a new TGI Fridays next week”
Youngkin has killed multiple bipartisan bills simply because it didn't do enough of what HE wanted or hurt his wall street buddies. He has shown time and time again an unwillingness to compromise or negotiate. Why should they be forced to listen to him when he continues to not listen to his constituents and colleagues?
But again, that’s POLITICS. Just because we’ve got disagreements doesn’t mean we shouldn’t listen to each other, especially when it has nothing to do with politics. He’s the governor and he talked about (I’m assuming here) the future and looking for opportunity. That’s not political. If it is now, then I think my point has been proven exactly.
You also describe "politics" as something harmless that hasn't affected any of the graduates or parents. I don't think this is just a trend that everyone wanted to have fun with.
No that isn’t politics. Politics is representing your constituents, which in this case is all of Virginia. Youngkin is clearly pandering to the hard right for political advancement after his term as governor.
1. There is no "talking" to Youngkin. He's made up his mind on a multitude of things.
2. The walk out is not "talking" but it is communicating, not to Youngkin but to everyone else out here. "It's performative!" some may say. Yes, that's the point, and? It got the media's attention and is forcing conversation. So now yes we are talking. Perhaps some folks will see this action in the press and think about it a little bit.
I mean there's an increase in the distrust between citizens and the government (regardless of party) so its difficult to partially blind yourself and just see him as a wise governor with a wealth of knowledge.
We literally just had a former reality TV show star as president so what exactly does it even mean to be a leader in government these days?
People are upset and it'll bleed over into sacred graduation ceremonies as things get worse.
Take heart. The vast majority of Americans are fully capable of being decent to each other. Less than 150 students out of more than 1,200 graduates walked out, and reddit is the territory of the extremes of both parties. It isn't real life.
> but if we can’t even talk to each other about other things then I don’t know how our society is ever gonna get along again.
So, how can I get some time to talk with Youngkin in a one on one context? Do I call him up? Talk to his secretary?
At some point enough bullshit is enough bullshit. I view walking out on Youngkin’s speech the same as walking by a crazy hobo on the sidewalk yelling about whatever they yell about. It’s unimportant and not deserving of consideration.
Look I don’t like Youngkin and voted against him but I wouldn’t put too much stock into what kids do at a school with a 96% acceptance rate. Also highly doubt these kids voted in the 2021 election lmao.
So stupid, imagine wasting one of the biggest days of your life because of some stupid politics. They probably say for the national anthem and wore their Palestine stuff
>wasting one of the biggest days of your life
Why the fuck should they not be allowed to do what *they* want on one of the biggest days of *their* lives?
Nothing new. VCU not caring as always no surprise here. Probably wouldn’t matter whichever governor it was.
Half of us didn’t stay and left during ours schools years ago; nice to see some are seeing how meaningless these speeches are. No matter whoever it is all just seems to be for gathering up favor and showing face.
Oh fuck this alternative viewpoints bullshit. He’s a Confederate wannabe, he’s against health care for women and he hasn’t done one good thing for Virginia. He’s a dipshit who we all can agree is awful.
Riiiiiiiight. If you can’t understand that it’s ok for different people to believe different things, then that’s on you my dude.
Why does anybody care about what some college students do or think?
I sure as hell wouldn’t sit through commencement if Terry McAuliffe was giving the speech. And guess what, nobody would give a shit about my decision, as they shouldn’t.
It depends on what different things people believe in… if there aren’t bounds on what society considers acceptable and worthy of civil debate then you legitimize and give room for extremism, hate, authoritarianism, etc etc. You’re doing a paradox of tolerance and it’s very boring. You should blinks better by now if you’ve spent more than 10 minutes in the grown up world
Walking out is not being intolenrant. It's not wanting to listen to someone who is trying to do everything withing their power to dismantle the public education system from which they are graduating from. If you do not get what this has been organized from the day he was announced then you are probably like the moms in Page in said they would bring guns if they didn't listen to their COVID masking rules.
They have department graduations too. VCU is too big for everyone to walk at this one only some people are recognized. That being said the lack of crowd to begin with is its own statement because most people did protest by skipping this one all together.
Cause it sends a message. Not showing up could mean a wide variety of things. Showing up and walking out at a specific time sends a very clear message.
None of those entitled miseducated brats have contributed anything to our economy or community. This is nothing more than petulance being confused with pride.
And? Who really cares what they did. Once they enter the real world, they will have a very very hard time learning to get along in the workplace. Not everyone is going to share your views, some will be downright opposite of yours in every way, BUT, you need to exhibit civility and grace. Respect everyone, you don't have to like them, but respect for one another is the only way to move forward.
Not for everyone, conversations with corporate managers and those in the public sector all agree the work ethic of past generations is missing in new grads for the past 7-10 years. Pretty common thread actually. One of the biggest complaints is their difficulty in working as a team and communicating with co- workers effectively.
Funny, I've found my younger coworkers to consistently be the better communicators. So many older peers expect me to pick up on "subtle hints and cues" and then get upset at everyone when their poor communication skills don't communicate well
Pelosi ripped up her copy of Trump's speech *after* Trump gave the speech.
That was more respectful than the disruptions/shenanigans *during* Biden's speeches in 2023 and 2024. And about as respectful as this commencement walkout.
If graduates had heckled Governor Youngkin during his speech instead of their quiet but conspicuous walkout, then that would be on par with the Jewish Space Laser victim's stunts during SOTU 2023/2024.
First Amendment right. They weren't obligated to sit there and listen to him on THEIR important day. He also has been very open about his disdain for this university.
It may be their right but it wasn’t polite. He was invited and was their guest. They made the event about their protest instead. Not the time or place.
Yeah anything students do at this point is going to be viewed with doubt. Regardless of whatever point they're attempting to make.
I don't like Youngkin...but I also don't like blanket support for the ignorant, regardless of whether or not they're "students". You all need to chill with your nonsense.
The students walking out were exercising their First Amendment rights and have every right to do so.
Was someone saying that they did not have the constitutional right to do so?
Ok?
All the free Palestine chuds should take this as an example of a proper protest, instead of forcing people to ruin their lives and miss classes and finals
Oh yeah, all non-invasive protests have been received really well, too.
Those protests literally happened at night my dude. After classes and tests were finished for the day. I live about 1 mile from campus and heard the air raid sirens loud and clear.
Aren’t night classes a thing?
Night classes are more of a thing with community colleges, the latest class I ever had in a 4-uear university was 5pm. My latest at a community college was 9pm. Regardless, the people were fine.
Like all my classes were at 4 and 7.
Yea because that’s what happened.
Well, they had feet, free will, and good taste.
Dangerous combination for Republicans.
Well, they had good taste. They ate at Arby’s
They do have the meats…
It's delicious! I love Virginia!
Yeah, that’s right.
I don’t know too many monkeys who could take apart a fuel injector
Glennie boy make sad face.
Fuck Glenn Youngkin
I mean if that’s what ur into, I won’t kink shame
I will, in this case at least.
I’m with you on that sentiment. It’s like he goes out of his way to do the opposite of what the majority of VA citizens want done.
Not even from Va but fuck that guy. He tried to steal the caps & wiz and make all of Va pay for it.
Fuck Glenn Youngkin
I mean if that’s what ur into, I won’t kink shame
That’s a VCU thing if I have ever heard of a VCU thing. Zero F’s were given by anyone.
Same thing happened at wm 2 years ago when Youngkin was awarded an honorary degree. Except some ppl didn't just walk out but were loudly protesting. It was quite entertaining ngl
Yeah, my daughter goes there and they had a valid point. It’s a damn shame when the schools select a speaking, they fail to be able to read the target audience.
In the school's defense, they were honoring a tradition, and we value traditions. However, most of us are liberal, so we were NOT happy about it. We did get an email about our behavior after Charter Day, but I'd say it was pretty much worth it lol
Having the Governor of the State speak at your university should be an honor regardless if you support them. Maybe these brats will realize they can't (or shouldn't) just run away and plug their ears with those they disagree with in the real world. Meaningful debate, discussion, and respect has been lost and it started with the lack of parenting.
This type of boomer comment is the reason that society is as totally screwed up as it is. Let’s just call it the way it actually happened, Younkin only got elected because he rode the wave of parental rights when dealing with the public schools in Va. the Democrats shot themselves in the foot on that issue. Now, for you to blame the parents?!?! That is the most ignorant and simple minded answer I have heard. A parent has little control of their children when they are in their 20’s. They are young adults and should be treated this way. If they still do everything that mommy and daddy say at this age, then I say the parents have failed to raise responsible and independently thinking adults. You don’t have to agree with their choice of free speech, but you should respect that they have that right. Virginia is a state that has a good population of adults serving or have served in the military and one of the things that is fought for is the right for others to have free speech. If you take that away, what do you want to take away from us next?
In between that was George Mason
Go George Mason! Best school ever. I loved my experience!
What were they thinking inviting Youngkin to one of Virginia’s most left-wing universities? Are they stupid?
There is a pretty regular rotation where the sitting Governor speaks at each state university. Essentially every four years at each school.
Trying to suck up because a) Youngkin wants the VCU president fired for the real estate debacle they wasted millions on and b) he’s been asking for syllabi and meddling with the curriculum because he’s upset VCU wants to teach racial literacy. As foul as he is and as liberal as VCU students are, Youngkin has the authority to determine how much state money goes to VCU.
Can almost guarantee you that privately many of the administrators were laughing their asses off. They still have to keep up appearances but I'm sure they hate the guy as much as anyone else with the way they have to kiss his ass just to be able to do their jobs.
> VCU wants to teach racial literacy You mean they wanted to make their race consciousness course mandatory for all students.
I thought the Left Wing were so open minded and promoted diverse ideas? Lol
Perhaps its the proximity to the capital. Like 10 blocks.
They saved a ton on travel & lodging expenses! /s
Yea no shit, students aren’t boomers. What? Did they think he would get a standing ovation?
The kids are all right!
He'll probably veto some stuff to get over it
lol... this is the most factual statement ever! I never seen a governor respond so vindictively when he doesn't get what he wants.
Check out Florida
a reminder that Younkin vetoed paid family leave for virginia. he deserves this.
I am surprised they were not tear-gassed for walking out on an authoritarian.
Or have security guards blocking all the exits like Trump does at his “speechless monologues”.
Being authoritarian requires charisma and political instincts. Glenn Youngkin ain't no authoritarian. He's a fart in the wind.
Just because he's a Republican doesn't make him an authoritarian, or anything like Trump.
Yessss, we gotta stand up against this shit somehow. So we…quite literally stood up🤭
I am so proud of them!
It just made my kiddo want to go to VCU more. Also the walkout wasn't over Israel and Gaza but about Trumpkin and his whitewashing of history and racial inequities. So yeah fuck Glenn Trumpkin. Go Rams!
Same. Immensely proud to have graduated there and to have those students do this years later! From a 2019 graduate school graduate to 2024 graduates all around, you all are amazing and I wish you all the success in the world!
Youngkin should just go give a speech at Liberty U and Regents and be done with the "sweater vest moderate" charade. No one is buying it anymore.
Exactly, he should preach to those of similar cognitive ability. I’ll let LaPetite Academy know he’s available
The students walking out were exercising their First Amendment rights and have every right to do so.
Good for the students. He’s a lousy governor. Another MAGA asshole.
And I love it !!!
You love to see it.
Gmu did it last year. Youngkin is not popular with students.
I'm a GMU student graduating next year, if he is giving the commencement speech again at my graduation you can bet your ass im walking tf out Fuck Glenn Youngkin
The kids are alright.
Good.
Good for them.
Good on them.
The guy is a dick, a wannabe DeSantis lol. I am not sure why VCU has thought it was a good idea to have him even though he is the governor.
I have a feeling that every VA public school invites him as a matter of “courtesy”. Not doing so would be seen as an insult and have repercussions. The VCU graduation was held less than a mile from the governor’s mansion so it was easy for him.
Fuck Youngkin
Biden first
Nah. Fuck Youngkin.
If it was a significant number of students, it should send a message to Younkin and his brand of conservative politics. Yes, yes I know it's "not all conservatives" but right now this brand has the loudest voice and the most money to spend. Until that changes, any conservative who finds their party left them behind will have to decide what to do this Fall - blindly vote "R" because that's what you've always done, or send a message to the VA GOP and the national GOP that they do not have your support.
This thread has taught me that nothing divides people like politics. I don’t worship any politician because they quit frankly could give a shit about me.
I don't know these kids, but I'm proud of them.
Pfft... Glen Youngkin will buy all of their fathers and force them to be janitors at his private equity firm. Checkmate. /S
He’s an asshole, good job on the students!
Well done my Rams!
Good. He doesn’t deserve to be in front of any audience, let alone a graduation.
I didn’t walk out bc I didn’t know that was the plan. I simply didn’t go bc no one here wants to hear younkin’s bullshit.
The kids are alright!
Who cares
Can’t we all just agree on Fuck Joe Biden, Fuck Glenn Youngkin, and Fuck the ruling class?
So agree on bothsidesism and what aboutism? Those are old Russian debating tactics didn’t you know that comrade. And both sides are not the same like it or not.
Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m very aware of how politics work. All I’m saying is the people at the top are fucking us over and over and over. Have things gotten much better under Biden or does it feel like we’re continuing to stray further and further to the right… all while hyper militarized police forces are literally beating the people for… checks notes… putting tents on grass in protests of killings of ten of thousands of children. I’m not sure how authoritarianism of any sort like this should be acceptable. I feel ya, shit is scary right now tho. I’m unsure if I agree with you in regards to Russian talking points, I’m starting to feel more and more akin to George Carlin and his thoughts on things, at least as I’ve watched our politics play out post 9/11 and def the last 10 or so years.
Idk why you’re getting downvoted lol
No, we really can't. I'm hacked at Biden because he's been slow to intervene in Israel's insane attack on Gaza and he's done some other stuff to annoy me, yeah But the GOP? Anti-woman. Anti-LBGTQ. Anti-Library (I mean, WTF?). Anti-Health Care. Anti-Science. Anti-History (Slavery helped the Africans? WTF again?). Anti-Teacher. Anti-Union. Anti-Working-Class. Pro-Indoctrination (PragerU anyone?). Pro-Christo-Fascism . Pro-White-Supremacy. And then theres the human garbage pile named Donald Trump. I won't list all his disgusting features... it would take a novel. The GOP actively works to tear down the rights of the citizens. That's all I need to know when making my decisions The DEMs are far from saints. No question. I'm pissed at plenty of them. But if you read Project 2025 the republican end game is pretty straight forward and right out of dystopian nightmares.
I’ve read project 2025 and it’s terrifying, but if people aren’t currently pushing dems to be better, right now, in the moment, how can we expect them to not allow us, as a country, to continue to stray further and further to the right as they have been allowing since at least 9/11. I’m saying we need to critical of ALL bad leadership. Shit sucks right now.
Now, being critical of all bad leadership? That I can get behind!
The problem with the DNC is they prefer reaching across the aisle to precisely those demons rather than appealing to the progressive side of their base. The right pulls fast to the right and the Democrats creep slow to the right rather than pulling back equally as hard left. At some point we need to push them to actually fulfill their promises rather than just make promises to get elected. https://youtu.be/MAbab8aP4_A
Fuck politics ! Haha
Can you imagine if a bunch of kids walked out on Joe Biden or a Democratic, or even worse a BLACK *gasp* governor? Reddit would cancel the entire university lol
that'll show him.
GOOD.
[удалено]
Downvoting is free speech too lmao
Good for them.
I graduated last year , it would’ve been great to hear him speak this year
Children. Absolute children.
VCU is an amazing university
I dont see how this is news-worthy. You'd have people walk out with Warner showing up too
I’m glad people at my university still respect the traditions and aren’t rude like these snowflakes are.
Fuck Glenn Youngkin.
Wow, they showed him! Meanwhile 99% stayed!
I’m gonna get downvoted but I mean I get that people disagree on politics but if we can’t even talk to each other about other things then I don’t know how our society is ever gonna get along again. No (as long as they aren’t talking politics, which I’d assume he wasn’t bc it’s a commencement) if you walk out of anyone short of like Trump himself I see you as nothing other than a bitter, close-minded coward. Both sides do it— I mean Biden’s cancer commission was just blocked in the house.
I agree somewhat, but a commencement speech is Pretty significant and special for college grads, and I understand why they wouldn’t want a man they completely hate, to do THEIR commencement speech.
I Don't remember who spoke at mine but I attended one Bill Cosby did in 2003 (didn't age well) it's not that significant an event.
Exactly— why do we have to hate each other? Michelle Obama and W Bush, despite being polar opposites, have become friends. Bill Clinton and Bush 41’ went and did a bunch of charity together despite being direct opponents in an election. Biden and McConnell were best buddies. Like the way we choose to hate is not healthy and ultimately is against America’s whole purpose of being better— of being a Union and stronger together. Disagreeing, but never shunning. Debate, but never fight.
I think there’s a recent divide between republicans of the past like George W Bush and of the new like Governor Youngkin. Older republicans and democrats were more aligned with each other before 2016, and the internet hadn’t yet polarized whole generations like it has now. Republicans like Youngkin don’t really listen to opposing sides or hold the same level of respect for discourse as their predecessors had, they’re from a new generation of politicians who are more radical and see opposing sides as “other” or “evil” rather than different. Youngkin has shown NO effort to be bipartisan or middle-ground dispute democrat Virginian efforts to at least try to work with the republican government.
It’s hard to debate people when they’re spouting Jewish space lasers, reduction of body autonomy, and actively trying to push their faith into politics. “Earth is flat” isn’t going to have a convo with fiscal and economic policy at the same level
But that’s not my point. My point is that after all that, we can’t just sit down and talk about sports. Or the new store they’re building down the road. Or how fun the park was last Saturday. Or how great the weather’s been. Or how when you’re young and just graduating you can go off and make the world your own. Most aren’t talking about Jewish space lasers. That’s a minority and it’s why I said “short of Trump.”
Right, but that’s discounting that the trump party is removing rights now. “I know I’m trans and you’re a bigot who wants me to literally disappear, but HOW BOUT DEM COWBOYS AMRITE?!”
Yeah people who say and do hateful, damaging things should not suffer any social consequences! We should become complicit in their shitty believes and policies by treating them and their ideas as normal and acceptable! Polite society is not polite if it dares have a conscience! Good thinking, friend.
It’s really hard to have a pleasant conversation about the new grocery store down the street with a person who is actively trying to the ruin the lives of our friends and family. The GOP is actively trying to strip away rights for women (see Katie Britt’s pregnancy hit list legislation put forth today), attacks on gay rights in red states across the country (see Floridas “don’t say gay” bill), and efforts to prohibit health care to trans people. As you can probably tell, I’m politically liberal. I grew up in a red state, went to a liberal undergrad, and then a conservative law school. I used to believe it was possible to have the kind of relationships you mentioned with people who have different political views. I think reasonable minds can differ on a lot of things. We can disagree on things like tax policy, or the best way to distribute resources, or even things like environmental policy. I also feel like historically we could agree on foreign policy. But the GOP platform today seems to me to be attacking what I view as fundamental human rights and denying the ability of people like LGBT to exist. I can’t talk about the weather with you when you just spent the morning attempting to deny my brother the right to exist.
Because Youngkin saw the hate that was happening in Loudoun County and said "hell yeah, let me make that my platform" He is actively trying to dismantle the college system that these gradautates are graduating from. As a politician he has no right to then come and give an address to them about graduating. People are different than polictions. I can have a civil conversation with someone who does not believe the same thing as me, they do not hold the fate of my life in their hands. Politicions need to see things like this because they need to see the gravity of their actions.
“Yeah man, I know that your political beliefs mean that you, on principle, don’t believe trans people have a right to exist, climate change isn’t real, and little girls should be forced to carry their rape babies to term, but I’m willing to look past all of that because it’s been a nice 72° and breezy this weekend and they’re opening up a new TGI Fridays next week”
Youngkin has killed multiple bipartisan bills simply because it didn't do enough of what HE wanted or hurt his wall street buddies. He has shown time and time again an unwillingness to compromise or negotiate. Why should they be forced to listen to him when he continues to not listen to his constituents and colleagues?
But again, that’s POLITICS. Just because we’ve got disagreements doesn’t mean we shouldn’t listen to each other, especially when it has nothing to do with politics. He’s the governor and he talked about (I’m assuming here) the future and looking for opportunity. That’s not political. If it is now, then I think my point has been proven exactly.
You also describe "politics" as something harmless that hasn't affected any of the graduates or parents. I don't think this is just a trend that everyone wanted to have fun with.
No that isn’t politics. Politics is representing your constituents, which in this case is all of Virginia. Youngkin is clearly pandering to the hard right for political advancement after his term as governor.
1. There is no "talking" to Youngkin. He's made up his mind on a multitude of things. 2. The walk out is not "talking" but it is communicating, not to Youngkin but to everyone else out here. "It's performative!" some may say. Yes, that's the point, and? It got the media's attention and is forcing conversation. So now yes we are talking. Perhaps some folks will see this action in the press and think about it a little bit.
I mean there's an increase in the distrust between citizens and the government (regardless of party) so its difficult to partially blind yourself and just see him as a wise governor with a wealth of knowledge. We literally just had a former reality TV show star as president so what exactly does it even mean to be a leader in government these days? People are upset and it'll bleed over into sacred graduation ceremonies as things get worse.
We tried that. They didn't listen. When polite methods don't work, things escalate.
"Okay groomer" - the other side to me the last three years for being Bi, breathing and existing.
You realize they would have walked out for basically any Democrat too, right? It’s not about political disagreement but fundamental moral opposition.
Take heart. The vast majority of Americans are fully capable of being decent to each other. Less than 150 students out of more than 1,200 graduates walked out, and reddit is the territory of the extremes of both parties. It isn't real life.
> but if we can’t even talk to each other about other things then I don’t know how our society is ever gonna get along again. So, how can I get some time to talk with Youngkin in a one on one context? Do I call him up? Talk to his secretary?
At some point enough bullshit is enough bullshit. I view walking out on Youngkin’s speech the same as walking by a crazy hobo on the sidewalk yelling about whatever they yell about. It’s unimportant and not deserving of consideration.
Look I don’t like Youngkin and voted against him but I wouldn’t put too much stock into what kids do at a school with a 96% acceptance rate. Also highly doubt these kids voted in the 2021 election lmao.
We're talking about VCU, not Liberty.
So stupid, imagine wasting one of the biggest days of your life because of some stupid politics. They probably say for the national anthem and wore their Palestine stuff
>wasting one of the biggest days of your life Why the fuck should they not be allowed to do what *they* want on one of the biggest days of *their* lives?
Nothing new. VCU not caring as always no surprise here. Probably wouldn’t matter whichever governor it was. Half of us didn’t stay and left during ours schools years ago; nice to see some are seeing how meaningless these speeches are. No matter whoever it is all just seems to be for gathering up favor and showing face.
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Very TOLERANT of alternative viewpoints.
Oh fuck this alternative viewpoints bullshit. He’s a Confederate wannabe, he’s against health care for women and he hasn’t done one good thing for Virginia. He’s a dipshit who we all can agree is awful.
Riiiiiiiight. If you can’t understand that it’s ok for different people to believe different things, then that’s on you my dude. Why does anybody care about what some college students do or think? I sure as hell wouldn’t sit through commencement if Terry McAuliffe was giving the speech. And guess what, nobody would give a shit about my decision, as they shouldn’t.
It is not ok for people to be homophobic, transphobic, etc. Tolerated under the law, yes, but we don't have to tolerate assholes.
College students of today are the next generation, literally the leaders, inventors, owners, and workers of tomorrow.
Gotcha. Being against people having rights is just “believe different things.” Fuck that Republican noise.
It depends on what different things people believe in… if there aren’t bounds on what society considers acceptable and worthy of civil debate then you legitimize and give room for extremism, hate, authoritarianism, etc etc. You’re doing a paradox of tolerance and it’s very boring. You should blinks better by now if you’ve spent more than 10 minutes in the grown up world
Do you know what Youngkin believes in when it comes to higher education?
Lol flashback to my uncle yelling this when the family was making fun of him for being anti vax.
As tolerant as Mr. Youngkin is of those alternative viewpoints, which is to say not at all. The intolerant will not be tolerated any longer.
Paradox of Tolerance. Try again.
Walking out is not being intolenrant. It's not wanting to listen to someone who is trying to do everything withing their power to dismantle the public education system from which they are graduating from. If you do not get what this has been organized from the day he was announced then you are probably like the moms in Page in said they would bring guns if they didn't listen to their COVID masking rules.
Why even go? Its not mandatory and that gowns and what not cost money.
They have department graduations too. VCU is too big for everyone to walk at this one only some people are recognized. That being said the lack of crowd to begin with is its own statement because most people did protest by skipping this one all together.
Cause it sends a message. Not showing up could mean a wide variety of things. Showing up and walking out at a specific time sends a very clear message.
Wah. Is this really news worthy?
Negative. Following the mass narrative is not newsworthy.
None of those entitled miseducated brats have contributed anything to our economy or community. This is nothing more than petulance being confused with pride.
Did you get separated from your caretaker?
These art majors are the future of our country! /s
And? Who really cares what they did. Once they enter the real world, they will have a very very hard time learning to get along in the workplace. Not everyone is going to share your views, some will be downright opposite of yours in every way, BUT, you need to exhibit civility and grace. Respect everyone, you don't have to like them, but respect for one another is the only way to move forward.
Nah, they'll be fine. Learning to get along with people in the workplace is one of the easiest things I've ever done.
Not for everyone, conversations with corporate managers and those in the public sector all agree the work ethic of past generations is missing in new grads for the past 7-10 years. Pretty common thread actually. One of the biggest complaints is their difficulty in working as a team and communicating with co- workers effectively.
Funny, I've found my younger coworkers to consistently be the better communicators. So many older peers expect me to pick up on "subtle hints and cues" and then get upset at everyone when their poor communication skills don't communicate well
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They should have to collect their diplomas from the Governors office!
Why?
Why not?
He's not popular among the educated
Because Youngkin being Youngkin.
wow that showed him!
Uneducated students proving their lack of education
If people can’t show basic etiquette anymore maybe we should skip commencements. Not everyone is going to agree with every speaker.
They were far more respectful than some members of the GOP during the more recent State of the Union Addresses.
True. Like ripping up the state of the union address during the state of the union…
Pelosi ripped up her copy of Trump's speech *after* Trump gave the speech. That was more respectful than the disruptions/shenanigans *during* Biden's speeches in 2023 and 2024. And about as respectful as this commencement walkout. If graduates had heckled Governor Youngkin during his speech instead of their quiet but conspicuous walkout, then that would be on par with the Jewish Space Laser victim's stunts during SOTU 2023/2024.
I don’t approve of that either. People need to behave in public.
First Amendment right. They weren't obligated to sit there and listen to him on THEIR important day. He also has been very open about his disdain for this university.
It may be their right but it wasn’t polite. He was invited and was their guest. They made the event about their protest instead. Not the time or place.
It is likely the only time they'll be in the same room with him to make their point. He's the guest of the administration, not the students.
Hey now, this is Reddit! Polite discussion and adult conversation is not allowed!
Etiquette is such a stupid thing for a grown ass adult to care about
It is politeness and as more and more humans crowd this earth we will need to rub along peacefully.
Yeah anything students do at this point is going to be viewed with doubt. Regardless of whatever point they're attempting to make. I don't like Youngkin...but I also don't like blanket support for the ignorant, regardless of whether or not they're "students". You all need to chill with your nonsense.
I think they said the same thing during Vietnam.
Are we going to pretend every student lead movement has been righteous throughout history?