EXCLUSIVE
DIDDY CANNOT BE SILENCED -- at least at Howard University's upcoming commencement ceremony ... despite some major backlash from the student population.
Howard U.'s students are up in arms after Sean "Diddy" Combs was selected to speak at the school's graduation -- mostly because Diddy dropped out of Howard ... and many students believe he isn't a worthy role model.
But Howard's not backing down -- a rep for the school tells us, commencement will go forward next month as planned ... with Diddy helming the prestigious commencement speech (former speakers include Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and Maya Angelou).
The rep adds, "Howard University continues the tradition of identifying leaders whose work has clearly contributed to the advancement of their fields and the world ... We are honored to have Mr. Combs serve as our speaker."
