{"id":333818,"date":"2026-05-27T02:35:37","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T02:35:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/333818\/"},"modified":"2026-05-27T02:35:37","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T02:35:37","slug":"chapman-u-student-body-president-speaks-out-after-commencement-speech-is-canceled","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/333818\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapman U Student Body President Speaks Out After Commencement Speech Is Canceled"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The sounds of a mariachi band filled the air on May 22 as Chapman University graduates, their families, faculty, and supporters filed into the First Presbyterian Church in Orange. The vibrant music \u2014 with soaring vocals, bold brass, and driving string rhythms \u2014 was a far cry from a traditional rendition of \u201cPomp and Circumstance.\u201d But this was no ordinary commencement ceremony.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Chapman University\u2019s decision to bar student body president Cintya Felix Mendivil from delivering a commencement address at the university\u2019s graduation ceremony sparked criticism from students, faculty, and supporters, raising questions about free expression and institutional transparency.<\/p>\n

Felix Mendivil, a political science and Spanish double major and the first Latina elected president of Chapman\u2019s Student Government Association (SGA), had prepared remarks in keeping with a longstanding tradition in which the SGA president addresses graduating students during commencement festivities. Family members traveled from Mexico to hear her speak. Just days before graduation, however, university officials informed her that her speech had been removed from the program.<\/p>\n

In response, students and supporters organized an alternative \u201cStudents\u2019 Commencement\u201d event at First Presbyterian Church, two blocks from Chapman\u2019s campus, where Felix Mendivil would publicly deliver her remarks. When the time came, Felix Mendivil and several graduates walked off campus and headed to the church.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI know the students who walked out had to really think about it because it was a courageous act,\u201d Felix Mendivil said. \u201cMaybe our degrees could have been taken away if we did it the wrong way, so I love those students.\u201d<\/p>\n

The controversy comes amid broader national debates over campus speech and commencement disputes at universities across the country. Graduation ceremonies have increasingly become flashpoints over who gets a platform and how institutions balance expression with administrative oversight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Felix Mendivil\u2019s story reflects a familiar American narrative: an immigrant family making sacrifices so the next generation can pursue greater opportunities. Her mother and grandmother looked on proudly as she finally delivered her commencement speech.<\/p>\n

The university said the decision was unrelated to the content of her remarks and instead tied to an ongoing conduct review involving the Student Government Association. According to university spokesperson Robert Hitchcock, SGA had been placed on temporary \u201cfrozen status,\u201d limiting its ability to conduct official business or participate in university functions. Chapman officials said the restriction extended to ceremonial roles, including participation in commencement.<\/p>\n

Felix Mendivil said she was devastated by the decision and publicly challenged the university\u2019s explanation, noting that she was never interviewed as part of the investigation. She also suggested her outspoken advocacy on student issues may have contributed to the decision \u2014 a claim university officials deny.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t been given an adequate reason why I\u2019m being censored,\u201d she told the Los Angeles Times.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u201cI just wish for better times for our country. I hope to outlive this mess,\u201d Felix Mendivil said. \u201cMy family lives in fear of ICE taking actions against people because of their identity. And I\u2019m not just talking about the Latino community or the Black community or the Asian community.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said concerns over health care, housing, and the rising cost of living are putting opportunities out of reach for people trying to build better lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what the American dream tells you we should be pursuing in our country,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

One of the lasting messages from her speech was that \u201cthere is never a perfect time to be on the right side of history.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt will always feel difficult, and it will always be scary, too,\u201d she said. \u201cI decided to walk out. I decided to give the speech and participate in the alternative ceremony because I knew it would have a ripple effect. The undergrads are watching, and I know they will carry on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her message to Chapman administrators was direct:<\/p>\n

\u201cThese students are going to challenge you,\u201d she said, \u201cand I challenge you to listen to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n

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