A small but vocal group of students at Duke University expressed their opposition to comedian Jerry Seinfeld, a staunch supporter of Israel, speaking at their commencement ceremony. Approximately 30 students chanted 'free Palestine' and waved Palestinian flags during the event. Seinfeld was present to receive an honorary doctorate from the university.
Similar protests were seen at other universities across the U.S. during graduation ceremonies. At Pomona College in Southern California, pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempted to disrupt the event, leading to a relocation of the ceremony to a different venue with increased security measures.
Students at various campuses have been advocating for their institutions to sever ties with Israel and companies supporting the country. These protests have resulted in arrests and disruptions at multiple universities, including Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley.
At Emerson College in Boston, graduating students displayed messages of solidarity with Palestine by adorning their attire with symbols and slogans. Some ceremonies, like the one at Columbia University, were altered due to the ongoing protests.
DePaul University in Chicago is also facing tensions as pro-Palestinian protesters demand divestment from Israel-related economic interests. The university administration and student groups have reached an impasse, leaving the future of the protests uncertain.
These demonstrations have sparked debates about free speech, security concerns, and the role of universities in global conflicts. While some attendees expressed frustration at the disruptions, others viewed the protests as a necessary form of activism.
As graduation season continues, the impact of these protests on academic institutions and their policies remains to be seen.
