Seattle Pacific University seems to have changed little since I last attended graduation three years ago at. At that time, SPU chose a black woman from out of state to lecture the graduates on becoming more inclusive and to share their white privilege in the form of money, especially for people of color. She went on to remind them that God loves them all because “she” is a god of love no matter what color you are. This year, SPU again chose a black woman to be the commencement speaker. She was also from out of state, but is on their board of trustees. She has a long list of organizations she has been on primarily with getting money to minorities so they can go to school and succeed. Instead of lecturing the graduates this time, she opened with a quote of a prayer that referenced Ruth in the Bible. She revealed that the author was agnostic, but it exemplified her feelings so well she wanted to share it verbatim. The speaker promised to return to the Ruth reference later. She never did. But she did quote a verse from Colossians to close her 16 minute talk. I am confident a few folks observed the content was strung together from numerous sources connected only by her copy/paste technique. I hope she wasn’t paid for her pre-collegiate attempt at speaking. Naturally, everyone clapped and the dissemination of the diplomas commenced accompanied by loud horns, screaming of names, and whooping as different names were announced. Many graduates walked with such a brazen proud gait, you’d think they were a mere 8 year old precocious child showing off their new shoes. Most acted dignified though at near fifteen a stretch before another “star was born.” I find it odd that in today’s culture where “appropriate” crowd and collegiate behavior is often observed forgotten or unknown that neither the students were “educated” on how the solemnness and significance can be vanquished in one attention-getting act. Additionally, no leader even informed those attending at the onset any expectations of their behavior. It is as if those in charge have become fearful of telling anyone what is acceptable behavior or not. This was further shown as numerous outwardly gay and crossdressing and possibly transgender graduates pranced across the stage. One boy, in heels, black lipstick, and rainbow flag was cheered by his peers and warmly congratulated by staff that should have known better than let it get so far that his success in the world will likely be severely hampered by his delusion, not to mention his spiritual growth or presence apparently ignored by the traditionally Bible believing school. At a party afterwards, I got to speak with a graduate who expressed her carefulness at school to use the right pronouns with her friends who would be male or female or neither from day to day. Her professor in her Sociology of Gender class at SPU stated he hated those parties where they announced the sex of the baby. He felt it was shortsighted for the parents and the child who hadn’t had a chance to figure out what it wanted to be. I admit I have become more judgmental and am still appalled at my own lack of research into SPU when I sent my daughter to this “Christian” school. I am not tolerant of everything. It doesn’t mean I hate people. But I hate it when people profess toleration if I agree with them, but spew hateful comments at me if I do not. Worshiping at the idol of tolerance and its consequences should be exposed in a collegiate setting, not celebrated.Scott Rees