Research Summary: Commencement Speakers’ Politics Vary by Institution Type

A recent study from Georgia State and New York Universities indicates that commencement speakers generally lean liberal, but the political alignment of speakers varies based on the type and geographical location of the academic institution. This suggests a nuanced landscape in higher education for speaker selection.

Why it matters

This finding highlights the political leanings within higher education institutions, which can influence public perception, donor relations, and the ideological climate for students and faculty. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for institutions to manage their external image and internal intellectual discourse effectively.

Key insights

• Commencement speakers tend to skew liberal, according to a study by researchers at Georgia State and New York Universities.
• The political affiliation of commencement speakers is influenced by the type of institution.
• The location of the institution also plays a role in determining the political leaning of invited speakers.

Source

Inside Higher Ed — https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/2026/08/27/commencement-speakers-politics-vary-institution-type