California Attorney General Rob Bonta urged the Cal State Dominguez class of 2023 to find a calling they love — and to fight injustice wherever they see it.
Bonta, the state’s 34th attorney general and the first person of Filipino descent to occupy the office, also congratulated the 730 graduates of CSUDH’s College of Business Administration and Public Policy for overcoming myriad challenges and for advocating for societal change during a commencement address on Saturday afternoon, May 20.
“No one pursuing a college degree expects it to be a walk in the park,” Bonta said, “but what each of you had to endure over the last few years,it was unprecedented.”
The coronavirus pandemic; a rise in xenophobia, homophobia and racism; the specter of mass shootings; and the conequences of climate crisis were among the challenges the attorney general mentioned.
“But your generation hasn’t let that hold you back,” Bonta said. “Instead, you’ve declared Black Lives Matter, March for Our Lives, demand real climate action. You’ve been impatient for change and rightfully so.”
Bonta spoke at the second to last of six commencement ceremonies that took place on Friday and Saturday at Dignity Sports Health Park’s tennis stadium, in Carson. In all, there were more than 3,300 graduates.
“I’m excited to complete this journey and begin a new one,” said Jasmine Jones, who received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Jones also said she was excited to hear the attorney general speak at her ceremony.
“It’s a big deal that he’s taking time out of his day to come and speak with us and give us encouraging words because I’m sure pretty sure once he was in our shoes,” she said, “and to show us how far we can go.”
Bonta began his speech by encouraging graduates to soak up the moment — but also to continue fighting for change.
“I urge you, keep being impatient for change,” he said. “Keep being intolerant of injustice because…
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