HOUSTON – Students at Texas Southern University are celebrating after speaking out and seeing change.
The university has now reversed course on its original commencement plans and will hold two graduation ceremonies instead of one, following days of student pushback.
Students say the change comes after concerns that a single ceremony would limit access for families during one of the most important milestones of their lives.
Students push back over ticket limits, ceremony changes
Earlier this week, students marched to the university president’s office, demanding their concerns be addressed.
“They’re not concerned if they’re willing to limit your graduation.”
Student leaders say one of the biggest issues was a steady decrease in the number of tickets allotted to graduates over time.
According to students, ticket limits dropped from 10 to eight to six and would have been just four per graduate under the proposed plan.
“I believe we all believe that’s an unacceptable number. We have large amounts of families, large amounts of friends who want to see us succeed and share that support,” said Caleb Thomas, a junior at TSU.
Students also raised concerns about the university’s plan to move from two ceremonies to one saying it would have made it difficult for loved ones to attend.
University initially responds, promises discussions
In an earlier statement dated April 1, TSU acknowledged student concerns and emphasized ongoing conversations with student leadership.
The university said in part:
“Texas Southern University is aware of requests regarding the current commencement ceremony format. Today, students exercised their First Amendment right to free speech, and we appreciate that their views were expressed respectfully and constructively.”
The statement also confirmed that President J.W. Crawford, III met with student leaders and planned to continue discussions.
“The University will reconvene with student leaders to continue discussions and identify a path forward that supports the spring graduating class of 2026.”
At the time, TSU did not directly address why it was considering moving to a single ceremony.
TSU reverses course after continued dialogue
A day later, in an updated statement dated April 2, the university announced a shift in plans.
TSU says it is now moving forward with two commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 8 — at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The university also says students will receive additional tickets to better accommodate their families.
In part, the university said:
“Texas Southern University administrators and student leadership have been in continued dialogue… to identify collaborative solutions to create the best possible experience for the spring graduating class.”
The statement also noted that the university had already begun moving away from a single ceremony prior to the student demonstration and emphasized a commitment to collaboration.
“The university and student leadership are committed to working collaboratively to make this experience inclusive and accessible.”
Officials say more details — including logistics and speakers — will be announced in the coming days.
Students say change proves their voices matter
For many students, the university’s decision is a direct result of speaking out.
“I’m very confident that we will get to a place that one — you were heard — and two — an excellent day to remember your time at Texas Southern,” said President J.W. Crawford, III.
Students say the outcome shows the power of advocacy — and the importance of being heard.
“A lot of us chose TSU for having our first HBCU experience. I know personally, it’s my very first HBCU experience. I plan to finish out. I plan to get a degree. I plan to go into my job market and with representing TSU,” Thomas said.
What’s next
While students call the decision a win, many say they’ll continue paying close attention as final plans are rolled out.
The university says it will release additional information on ceremony logistics and speakers soon.