Upcoming UA commencement address by President Trump draws condemnation, support

An upcoming commencement address to be delivered by President Donald Trump at the University of Alabama (UA) on May 1 has drawn both support and condemnation. 

Dissent comes widely from a petition on change.org that now has more than 21,000 signatures over three days. 

An email from change.org stated that the petition was started by a group of UA students and alumni over concerns about what was described as political division from the Trump administration, particularly in regards to "marginalized" groups including students of color and LGBTQ+ people. 

The email quoted a petitioner named Lindsay, who said, "As a two time alum from the University of Alabama, I’m ashamed to represent this school after this decision. The decision to disrespect the many marginalized students who have worked so hard for graduation day is sickening. Platforming someone who is actively advocating against the rights of students on graduation day is abhorrent." 

However, the address has also been supported, notably from the University of Alabama College Republicans, which made a statement on social media. 

"We are honored to welcome the president back to Tuscaloosa, and we are proud to attend a university where America first values are dominant and, thanks to our state's Republican lawmakers, common sense is taught," said the statement. 

The group criticized the reaction from opponents, namely from the UA College Democrats, which put out its own statement online and described the coming address as an "insult".  

Tickets for the address are available at no cost but a time has not yet been specified.