1. Pro-Palestinian protests decrease on campuses as US college graduations witness defiant actions
2. Decline in Pro-Palestinian demonstrations at universities during US college graduation ceremonies.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A small group of Duke University graduates made their voices heard at the commencement ceremony in North Carolina on Sunday, as they opposed the presence of pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Approximately 30 out of the 7,000 students in attendance stood up from their seats and began chanting “free Palestine,” creating a mix of reactions that included boos and cheers.
Amidst the chants, some students proudly waved the red, green, black, and white Palestinian flag. Seinfeld, known for his iconic sitcom “Seinfeld,” was at the event to receive an honorary doctorate from the university.
The comedian has been a vocal supporter of Israel, particularly during the country’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This support has sparked controversy on college campuses across the United States, with students calling for divestment from companies linked to Israel and its military actions.
Protests and Demonstrations Across U.S. Campuses
The dissent at Duke University is just one example of the broader student movement against Israel’s actions in Gaza. From Columbia University in New York City to the University of California, Berkeley, students have been setting up encampments and organizing protests to push for divestment.
At Pomona College in Southern California, protesters attempted to block access to the commencement ceremony, prompting the school to move the event to a different location with enhanced security measures. The tensions between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and university administrations have escalated in recent weeks, with arrests and confrontations becoming more frequent.
Student-Led Protests Gain Momentum
The protests at Duke University’s graduation are reflective of a larger trend on college campuses nationwide. Student-led movements advocating for divestment from companies supporting Israel’s military actions have gained momentum, leading to disruptions at commencement events and calls for institutional change.
At Emerson College in Boston, students made symbolic gestures of solidarity with Palestine by displaying messages on their graduation robes and mortar boards. The protests, while largely peaceful, have sparked debates about free speech and activism on college campuses.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding these protests, students remain committed to their cause and continue to push for divestment from Israel-related investments. The future of these movements remains uncertain, but the voices of the students are being heard loud and clear.
University Responses and Security Concerns
Some universities, such as the University of Southern California, have faced security concerns due to student activism. In some cases, speeches by pro-Palestinian students have been cancelled, leading to further tensions between students and administration.
At DePaul University in Chicago, the student-led Divestment Coalition has set up an encampment to push for divestment from companies with ties to Israel. Despite facing challenges in negotiations with university officials, the students remain steadfast in their demands for change.
As the academic year comes to a close, the future of these student-led movements remains uncertain. However, the impact of their protests and advocacy efforts has been felt across college campuses, sparking important conversations about divestment and activism in support of Palestine.
Associated Press journalists Ryan Sun in Los Angeles, Sophia Tareen in Chicago, and Kimberlee Kreusi in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report.
The Associated Press’ education coverage is supported by multiple private foundations, and AP is solely responsible for all content. For more information on AP’s standards for working with philanthropies and a list of supporters, visit AP.org.
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Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses
Defiant acts at US college graduations.
