Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer turned national figure for her vocal opposition to transgender women competing in women’s sports, faced a controversial moment during her commencement speech at Adrian College in Michigan.
The event, which took place on Sunday, saw an unidentified administrator drape himself in a transgender flag as a form of protest against Gaines’ presence as the speaker, but only when she wasn’t looking, according to the Daily Mail.
The administrator’s actions were met with criticism from Gaines herself, who took to social media to call out what she deemed a “cowardly” act. “In truly cowardly fashion, the administrator behind me cloaked himself in a trans flag only after I got to the podium and removed it before I turned back around to see,” Gaines wrote on her social media account.
Despite the protest, Gaines noted that she received a standing ovation from the graduates, friends, and families in attendance, and thanked Adrian College for the invitation to speak.
The administrator’s behavior during the commencement speech was not only disrespectful but also childish and an embarrassment to the institution.
I just watched back my commencement speech at Adrian College.
In truly cowardly fashion, the administrator behind me cloaked himself in a trans flag only after I got to the podium and removed it before I turned back around to see.
Nonetheless, I got a standing ovation from… pic.twitter.com/7sNJ967eMw
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) May 10, 2024
Such actions have no place in an academic setting, especially during a ceremony meant to celebrate the achievements of graduating students.
The administrator’s decision to hide behind a flag and only display it when Gaines was not looking demonstrates a lack of courage and conviction in his beliefs.
If the administrator had genuine concerns about Gaines’ views, he should have addressed them through proper channels and open dialogue, not through a covert protest that only serves to undermine the gravity of the occasion.
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In contrast, Gaines’ speech touched upon the very qualities the administrator failed to exhibit.
She spoke about her choice to be courageous in her fight for the protection of women’s rights in sports, emphasizing the true meaning of courage. “Having courage means you’re willing to do the right, fair, just and moral thing, despite the fears that you face. It is the strength to confront adversity, and to pursue your dreams with unwavering determination,” Gaines said during her address.
The students of Adrian College witnessed a stark contrast between Gaines’ display of courage and the administrator’s cowardly actions.
Gaines put her career on the line to stand up for what she believes in, while the administrator chose to hide behind a flag and engage in self-righteous virtue signaling.
Sadie Schreiner, male competing with the women, won the women's 200 & 400m today at the Liberty League championship meet. He broke the 400m women's record in the process
He would've finished last amongst the other boys by 2 full seconds
This is exactly why we're suing the @NCAA pic.twitter.com/1FIv1DMmib
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) May 4, 2024
The administrator’s behavior was not only disrespectful to Gaines but also to the students, faculty, and the institution as a whole.
Adrian College should take immediate action to address this incident and hold the administrator accountable for his unprofessional conduct.
The college must send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and that all members of the academic community are expected to engage in respectful and open dialogue, even when faced with differing opinions.
Failure to do so will only serve to undermine the credibility of the institution and its commitment to fostering an environment of intellectual growth and personal development.
The actions of the administrator during Riley Gaines’ commencement speech at Adrian College were not only cowardly but also an embarrassment to the institution.
The college must take swift action to address this incident and ensure that such behavior is not tolerated in the future.
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Meanwhile, Gaines’ message of courage and determination in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to the graduating students and a reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of opposition.