Pro-Palestinian protests: Columbia University cancels graduation ceremony after Gaza protests
Pro-Palestinian protests: Columbia University in Washington has opted to cancel its university-wide graduation ceremony planned for May 15, opting instead for smaller, school-based events. This decision follows a period of unrest at the Ivy League institution sparked by pro-Palestinian protests.
In a statement released on Monday, Columbia University explained its rationale, stating, "We have chosen to prioritise our Class Days and school-level ceremonies as the focal points of our commencement activities. These events allow for the individual recognition of students among their peers, rather than a larger, university-wide ceremony."
This shift in plans comes after weeks of demonstrations on campus related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which have created tension within the university community. By pivoting to smaller, decentralised ceremonies, Columbia University aims to provide a more intimate and personalized experience for graduating students.
Since April 18, the police have arrested over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators who were camping in tents at Columbia University in New York City. Following this, similar protests and encampments have emerged on campuses across the United States, including New York University, Yale University, and the University of Texas. These demonstrations represent an escalation of the ongoing protests on US campuses, which began after Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7, followed by Israel's response with airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
- With inputs from agencies
