Several dozen minority students at the University of Kentucky held their own graduation celebration Wednesday after the school canceled ceremonies honoring black graduates and those from other racial minority groups.

The university cited “federal and state policy changes and directives” in the decision to no longer host “identity-based or special-interest graduation celebrations.” The move followed President Donald Trump’s push to eliminate diversity initiatives on college campuses.

Members of Alpha Phi Alpha, a historically black fraternity, organized the replacement event at Lexington’s Lyric Theatre. The graduates received specialty regalia such as stoles and cords to wear at the upcoming schoolwide commencement.

“You are charged with standing on our shoulders and doing bigger and better things,” Christian Adair, executive director of the Lyric Theatre, told the graduates.

Kristopher Washington, a graduating student and key organizer, explained the motivation behind the event. “The message that I wanted to send is that if you want something to happen, then you can just go make it happen yourself,” he said. “There’s no waiting for somebody else to do it for you.”

While most attendees were black, the event was billed as multicultural and welcomed various student groups, including first-generation college students and those claiming homosexual or transgender identity.

University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto recently defended the cancellations, noting that “every part of our university is under stress and scrutiny.” He appeared to indicate that the decision was made to protect the institution.

Jay Blanton, a spokesman for the school, said in a statement that while “the university can’t continue sponsoring these events,” student groups are welcome to host them. The university will “continue working to ensure all students feel seen, valued, and supported.”