In previous years, the Vanderbilt Student Government president spoke at Graduates Day, but VSG President Sam Sliman was not invited to speak this year. His speech for Founders Walk, an event welcoming first-years to campus at which the VSG President typically gives an address, was also canceled.

Graduates Day featured a speech by David Brooks, a New York Times columnist and recipient of this year’s Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal. Other speakers included senior Kai Mehra, graduate student Emily Hawes and Vanderbilt Alumni Association President Anu Pardeshi (B.S. ‘00, M.S. ‘02, M.B.A. ‘04). 

“This is the second time this has happened, and I’ve tried not to jump to any conclusions, but it’s difficult to ignore at this point that it feels personally targeted,” Sliman said. “I’ve obviously been quite publicly critical of the current Vanderbilt administration, and this is a pretty sinister way that they are continuing to suppress voices that disagree with them.”

In an email to The Hustler, a university representative explained the selection process for student speakers at Graduates Day.

“Graduates Day has included a wide range of student speakers from students representing VSG and GSC [Graduate Student Council] to students representing various faiths,” the representative said. “This year, the university solicited nominations from schools and colleges to feature speakers for their academic achievements and contributions to the university.”