MORIAH BALINGIT : “Pro-Palestinian Protests Fade on Campuses, Defiant Acts at US College Graduations”

A small but vocal group of Duke University graduates expressed their opposition to pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement ceremony in North Carolina on Sunday. Approximately 30 out of the 7,000 students in attendance rose from their seats and began chanting “free Palestine,” amidst a mix of both boos and cheers.

Some of the protesters proudly waved the red, green, black, and white Palestinian flag during the demonstration. Seinfeld, known for his iconic sitcom and starring role in the new Netflix movie “Unfrosted,” was present to receive an honorary doctorate from the university.

The comedian, a staunch supporter of Israel, publicly endorsed the country’s actions following the conflict with Gaza that resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The ongoing war has claimed the lives of nearly 35,000 individuals in Gaza, with a significant number being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Protests Across U.S. Campuses

The protest at Duke University’s graduation is part of a larger wave of demonstrations that have swept through campuses across the United States in recent weeks. Student activists have set up encampments and called for divestment from Israel and businesses with ties to the country.

Various universities, including Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley, have witnessed similar protests during their commencement ceremonies. At Pomona College in Southern California, demonstrators attempted to disrupt the event, leading to a relocation of the ceremony to the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles.

Challenges Faced by Student Protesters

Despite facing opposition and criticism, student protesters remain steadfast in their demands for divestment from corporations associated with Israel’s actions in Gaza. The demonstrations have sparked conversations about the role of universities in endorsing or distancing themselves from controversial geopolitical conflicts.

At the University of Southern California, a valedictorian’s speech supporting Palestinians was canceled due to security concerns, leading to the subsequent cancellation of the main graduation ceremony. Similar challenges have been encountered at DePaul University in Chicago, where an impasse between protesters and school officials has left the future of the encampment uncertain.

Continued Activism and Advocacy

As the academic year draws to a close, student-led movements advocating for Palestinian rights show no signs of slowing down. The demonstrations at various universities have sparked debates about free speech, campus activism, and the responsibilities of educational institutions in addressing global conflicts.

Despite facing obstacles and pushback, protesters remain resolute in their calls for justice and solidarity with the people of Palestine. The wave of activism seen at graduation ceremonies reflects a broader movement for social change and awareness on college campuses across the country.