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 — with soaring vocals, bold brass, and driving string rhythms — was a far cry from a traditional rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance.” But this was no ordinary commencement ceremony.

Chapman University’s decision to bar student body president Cintya Felix Mendivil from delivering a commencement address at the university’s graduation ceremony sparked criticism from students, faculty, and supporters, raising questions about free expression and institutional transparency.

Felix Mendivil, a political science and Spanish double major and the first Latina elected president of Chapman’s 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.

In response, students and supporters organized an alternative “Students’ Commencement” event at First Presbyterian Church, two blocks from Chapman’s 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.

“I know the students who walked out had to really think about it because it was a courageous act,” Felix Mendivil said. “Maybe our degrees could have been taken away if we did it the wrong way, so I love those students.”

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.

Felix Mendivil’s 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.

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 “frozen status,” 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.

Felix Mendivil said she was devastated by the decision and publicly challenged the university’s 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 — a claim university officials deny.

“I haven’t been given an adequate reason why I’m being censored,” she told the Los Angeles Times.

“I just wish for better times for our country. I hope to outlive this mess,” Felix Mendivil said. “My family lives in fear of ICE taking actions against people because of their identity. And I’m not just talking about the Latino community or the Black community or the Asian community.”

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.

“That’s what the American dream tells you we should be pursuing in our country,” she said.

One of the lasting messages from her speech was that “there is never a perfect time to be on the right side of history.”

“It will always feel difficult, and it will always be scary, too,” she said. “I 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.”

Her message to Chapman administrators was direct:

“These students are going to challenge you,” she said, “and I challenge you to listen to them.”