Amidst escalating tensions surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza, American universities are grappling with disruptions to their graduation ceremonies.
The University of Michigan and the University of Illinois have trained staff volunteers to manage potential disruptions, deviating from their typical roles of assisting guests.
Other institutions like the University of Southern California and Cal Poly Humboldt have either canceled or relocated key events due to protests and safety concerns.
Protests supporting Palestine have erupted on campuses nationwide, with students urging President Joe Biden to intervene and calling for divestment from companies supporting Israel’s government.
Some universities have resorted to deploying riot police to disperse protesters, citing the need for campus safety.
Civil rights groups argue that such tactics suppress free speech and escalate tensions further. The demonstrations stem from Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which began after a Hamas attack on October 7.
At Columbia University, President Nemat Minouche Shafik addressed concerns about commencement plans amidst ongoing protests.
The University of Minnesota successfully resolved an encampment protest through dialogue, averting disruptions to exams and graduations.
The implementation of disruption mitigation training at the University of Michigan has sparked controversy, with over 300 affiliates signing a letter opposing the move.
Volunteers are instructed to identify and de-escalate disruptive behavior during ceremonies. Yet, concerns persist over the potential stifling of free speech on campus.
The University of Southern California faced criticism after canceling its main-stage graduation ceremony due to safety concerns, particularly surrounding a Muslim student’s canceled valedictorian speech.
Instead, graduates are invited to an alternative celebration featuring drone shows and fireworks.
These developments underscore the challenges universities face in addressing protests while ensuring the safety and success of their graduation ceremonies.
