WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Across the nation, universities have begun canceling diversity-based graduation ceremonies.

In Texas, laws like Senate Bill 17, which passed in 2023, put strict limits on D.E.I. events on college campuses.

Wesley of Wichita Falls Campus Ministries believes inclusion isn’t just a word, it’s a mission they are called to stand behind.

As they continue building a deeper connection at Midwestern State University, they are making sure students get a chance to have that personal experience.

They know it’s not just about showing up to the events, it’s about being present in the students’ lives all the way up until that big day.

“We’re always trying to be radically inclusive, and as we continue to expand ourselves into the MSU Texas community, being part of these graduations means more than just adding numbers to our list or adding numbers to our events. It actually means being part of the students that we care about and the students that we see on a daily, weekly basis,“ Wesley of Wichita Falls Campus Ministries Director Reverend Julia Puac-Romero said.

Graduation isn’t about having just a piece of paper; it’s the late nights, early morning and celebrating every single moment a student almost gave up and didn’t, but for students in identity-based groups, this moment is more than just a walk across the stage. It’s the end of a chapter not only for themselves, but for their families, as the student overcame barriers tied to race, identity or economic status.

“When you think about these graduations, being able to celebrate either be able to celebrate La Cultura or celebrate black culture in such a way that’s an intimate, deep relationship with people and in this community space, that’s what it’s all about,” Puac-Romero said.

These alternative graduations aren’t just events; they’re reminders that every journey is different. Every student deserves a moment that reflects their culture and who they are.

“Black graduation gives the students an opportunity to live in the moment while also being able to celebrate in that moment with the people that came to support them and it allowed me to see like how it impacted individuals and how it kind of brought a community here on campus,“ Black graduation coordinator Kristen Carriaway said.

Unidos graduation coordinator Jenniffer Martinez takes this personally, as only 20 percent of Latino and Spanish college students actually get to that finish line.

Seeing that there are organizations like the Wesley willing to cover a space as well as resources, allows a moment of reflection of every step that leads to the big day.

“It’s definitely empowering to see that there are people standing behind us and wanting to uplift us and empower us to celebrate the achievements that we’ve made, to celebrate the other people who have done so much work, it’s so hard, college is so hard, thankfully we have community resources,“ Martinez said.