While one woman celebrated a hard-earned academic victory, another found herself at the center of controversy.
On Saturday in South Dakota, two very different stories unfolded on separate stages—and the contrast couldn’t have been more striking.
In Rapid City, Priya Saxena, an international student from India, proudly accepted her doctorate in chemical and biological engineering, along with a master’s degree.
At the same time, across the state, Kristi Noem was accepting an honorary degree—while facing a chorus of protests.
Cheers for Dr. Priya Saxena
At South Dakota Mines, the atmosphere was electric as Saxena was introduced to the crowd as Dr. Priya Saxena.
The audience erupted in cheers, celebrating the moment she had spent five years working toward.
But Saxena’s journey wasn’t just academic—it had also become a legal battle for her right to stay in the U.S.
Her legal troubles stemmed from a 2021 misdemeanor conviction for failing to move over for flashing yellow lights.
The Department of Homeland Security, under the leadership of Noem, argued that this violation warranted the revocation of her student visa—despite it being set to expire in 2027.
Noem’s Big Day Overshadowed by Protests
While Saxena was being celebrated, Kristi Noem—now serving as Secretary of Homeland Security under the Trump administration—was receiving an honorary degree at Dakota State University.
But the moment was far from smooth.
Outside the venue, demonstrators lined the streets with protest signs and chants.
One particularly biting sign read: “A doctorate in graft I could understand.”
The protests centered around Noem’s leadership in a controversial mass deportation push, which many say targets international students and marginalized groups unfairly.
Legal Win for Saxena
Determined not to let the deportation efforts go unchallenged, Saxena took Noem and the government to court.
She argued that the misdemeanor was declared in her visa applications and should not be grounds for deportation.
Her lawsuit emphasized that she had not engaged in any political activity, protests, or public controversy.
A judge agreed—at least temporarily. Earlier this month, the court blocked the government from taking any action against Saxena until a formal hearing scheduled for May 13.
The ruling also stopped authorities from removing her from South Dakota during the legal process, allowing her to receive her degrees without interference.
The Symbolism Was Hard to Miss
The fact that Saxena’s graduation happened simultaneously with Noem’s honorary award felt like poetic justice to many.
It was a stark reminder of the contrast between a young woman fighting for her future in the U.S. and a political figure overseeing the very system attempting to deport her.
Backlash Over Noem’s Honorary Degree
Noem’s honorary recognition wasn’t unanimously welcomed.
In fact, both the student senate and faculty at Dakota State University voted against awarding her the degree.
They feared it would send the wrong message to international students and vulnerable communities.
Despite those objections, the university proceeded with the ceremony.
Officials said the invitation had been extended back when Noem was still governor and was based on her support of the school’s cybersecurity programs.
Noem’s Speech and Mixed Reactions
During her speech, Noem encouraged students to pursue success boldly—telling them to believe in themselves like they once believed in Santa Claus.
She spoke about the power of relationships, urging grads to “take the emergency brakes off” and face their futures without hesitation.
But for many outside the hall, her presence and message rang hollow.
Protesters weren’t allowed inside, but their voices echoed from the streets.
Signs accused her of cruelty, and chants of “No honor for Noem” filled the air.
A Ceremony That Sparked Bigger Conversations
Dakota State President José-Marie Griffiths defended the decision to honor Noem, citing her role in transforming the university.
But the protests made clear that many in the community saw her as a divisive figure—especially given the backdrop of Saxena’s legal fight.
One student protester voiced concern for international students on campus, saying Noem’s presence made them feel unsafe.
“We pride ourselves on our diversity,” the student said, highlighting the large number of international graduates, including those from India and Vietnam.