1. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations decline on college campuses
2. Defiant acts seen at US college graduations amid pro-Palestinian protests.
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A small group of Duke University graduates made headlines on Sunday as they opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement ceremony in North Carolina. Approximately 30 out of the 7,000 students in attendance decided to leave their seats and chant “free Palestine,” while others expressed their support by waving the Palestinian flag.
Seinfeld, known for his hit sitcom and more recently starring in the Netflix film “Unfrosted,” was at the university to receive an honorary doctorate. However, his public support for Israel in the ongoing conflict with Gaza sparked controversy among the student body.
The demonstration at Duke’s graduation is just one example of the broader campus events taking place across the United States. In recent weeks, student protests calling for divestment from Israel and businesses supporting it have led to arrests at numerous colleges and universities.
Protests Spread Across U.S. Campuses
From Columbia University in New York City to UCLA in California, students have set up encampments and demanded action from their schools. At Pomona College in Southern California, protesters attempted to block access to the commencement ceremony, leading to the event being moved to a different location with heightened security measures in place.
The issue of divestment from corporations linked to the conflict in Gaza has been a focal point for many student demonstrators. Anwar Mohmed, a senior at Pomona College, expressed frustration at the institution’s lack of response to their calls for divestment.
Challenges at Berkeley and Emerson College
At the University of California, Berkeley, and Emerson College in Boston, pro-Palestinian demonstrators made their voices heard during commencement ceremonies. While some attendees expressed frustration at the disruption, the protests remained largely peaceful over the weekend.
At Emerson College, students used their graduation attire to display messages of solidarity with Palestine, including slogans on their mortar boards and symbolic clothing choices. The protests at these institutions reflect a growing trend of student activism on college campuses.
DePaul University Faces Uncertainty
At DePaul University in Chicago, the future of a student-led encampment calling for divestment from Israel remains uncertain. Despite reaching an impasse with university officials, the DePaul Divestment Coalition continues to push for action as the academic year draws to a close.
As graduation season continues, the debate over Israel-Palestine relations has become a prominent issue on college campuses nationwide. The demonstrations and protests serve as a reminder of the power of student activism in shaping discussions around social justice and global conflicts.
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Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses
Defiant acts at US college graduations.
