Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt University Commencements Across US

As universities across the United States prepare for commencement ceremonies, they are bracing for potential disruptions from pro-Palestinian protesters. The protests, which have been ongoing on several campuses, have already disrupted events and sparked tensions between protesters and university officials.

Why this matters: The wave of pro-Palestinian protests on US campuses highlights the growing tensions between free speech rights and the need to maintain order on university campuses. As the protests continue to spread, they may have implications for university policies and campus politics, potentially affecting students, faculty, and staff beyond the immediate disruptions.

At the University of Michigan, over 8,000 graduates and 63,000 spectators are expected to attend Saturday's festivities inside Michigan Stadium. Security screening and public safety officers will be present to monitor the event. Pro-Palestinian protesters have erected dozens of tents on the Diag, a historic space for campus activism, demanding that Michigan cut financial ties with companies connected to Israel.

University of Michigan President Santa Ono referred to a previous event disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, saying, "It was painful for everyone who had gathered and especially so for members of our Jewish community." The university has drafted a policy that could lead to student expulsions and staff dismissals for event disruptions, although it has not been finalized.

At the University of Utah, students booed and yelled "Free Palestine" during the president's speech on Thursday night, prompting him to pause and ask protesters to leave or be removed. One arrest was made outside the ceremony, where a group of about 50 people were rallying.

Indiana University's Bloomington campus is designating protest zones outside Skjodt Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium, where ceremonies will be held on Friday and Saturday. A social media post urged protesters to wear keffiyehs and walk out during Saturday's remarks by President Pamela Whitten. Roughly 20 tents set up by protesters remain in place in an area known as Dunn Meadow, a mile from the stadium.

Northeastern University is holding its commencement exercises on Sunday at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, for the fourth consecutive year. The venue will help security officials monitor the crowd and limit what people can bring. Signs, banners, balloons, and full-size flags are prohibited in the stadium, along with most bags. Public safety staffing will be strengthened, and all those entering Fenway will need to pass through metal detectors.

University officials are walking a fine line between honoring free speech rights and preventing disruptions to commencement ceremonies. Ken Burdick, father of a University of Michigan graduate, said, "People can exercise their First Amendment rights without disrupting or creating fear." Laurie McCauley, Michigan's chief academic officer, stated, "We respect and uphold the principles of free expression and also recognize that no one is entitled to disrupt university activities."

The pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses are part of a broader wave of demonstrations calling for universities to divest from Israel. Divestment would involve withdrawing endowment funds from companies linked to Israel. At Columbia University, students are demanding the college divest its $13.6 billion endowment from companies like Microsoft and Amazon. Protesters at Cornell and Yale want their universities to stop investing in weapons manufacturers. However, several universities, including Columbia and the University of California system, have rejected divestment proposals so far.

Over 2,000 people have been arrested during pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks, according to an Associated Press tally. As commencement ceremonies approach, several major universities are taking measures to ensure a smooth and joyful experience for graduates, their families, and friends. However, the potential for disruptions remains, and officials are bracing for a tense weekend.

Key Takeaways

• US universities prepare for potential disruptions from pro-Palestinian protesters at commencement ceremonies.
• Protests have already disrupted events and sparked tensions between protesters and university officials.
• Universities are walking a fine line between honoring free speech rights and preventing disruptions.
• Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses demand divestment from Israel and companies linked to it.
• Over 2,000 people have been arrested during pro-Palestinian protests at US college campuses in recent weeks.