MADISON, S.D. (KELO) – A large group of demonstrators gathered outside Dakota State University’s commencement event on Saturday during U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s speech to the graduating class.

Ever since DSU revealed that the ex-South Dakota governor would be their graduation ceremony speaker, the choice has attracted quite a bit of acclaim and critique.


The DSU grants Noem an honorary degree.

Shortly before the graduation ceremony, many individuals gathered along Washington Avenue in Madison. The biggest crowds were close to 2nd and 9th Streets. These attendees remained throughout the entire event, with several staying even after Secretary Noem left via helicopter.

A number of individuals opposed Noem being awarded an honorary degree.

“I just think it’s a little ridiculous that she is being honored,” rally goer Ronan Wicks said.

Some people disagreed with her stance on immigration.

“Specifically, the way that she’s been handling Trump’s immigration policy, the issues that we’ve been seeing with international student visas and visa revocations, as well as the lack of due process and the Trump administration as a whole,” rallygoer and Dakota State student Anden Wieseler said.

However, not everyone was on board with the rally.

“I support her. Personally, I disagree with the protest,” Matthew Birkeland stated.

Birkeland is enrolled as a student at Dakota State University.

“I think everybody’s got the right to go protest and do whatever they want. I think it’s good everybody getting their voice out, but I think it’s a little distracting for the graduates,” Birkeland said.

Members of the community are carrying placards with the message, ‘Congratulations, graduates, you deserve more.’ Chants like ‘Graduates deserve better’ have also echoed through the crowd,” Wieseler stated. “Absolutely, we back the graduates, and today belongs to them.

But whatever the opinion, rally goers voiced the importance of making it known.

“I think protests are one of the backbones of this country. I think making sure our voices are heard was something that the founding fathers wanted from all of us because we all are very opinionated everywhere,” Wicks said.

In addition to the Secret Service, law enforcement personnel from the Madison Police Department, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol were also present at the event.


PHOTOS: Noem’s appearance in Madison


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