Pro-Palestinian protests dwindling on college campuses
Palestinian protests fading on US college campuses.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
By MORIAH BALINGIT
Associated Press
A small 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 stood up, chanted “free Palestine,” and waved the Palestinian flag, creating a mix of reactions including boos and cheers.
Seinfeld, renowned for his hit sitcom and current role in the Netflix movie “Unfrosted,” was at the university to receive an honorary doctorate. His public support for Israel following recent conflicts in Gaza led to the student protest against his presence at the event.
Protests Across U.S. Campuses
The demonstration at Duke’s graduation is part of a larger trend of student protests at universities nationwide. Recent weeks have seen nearly 2,900 arrests at 57 colleges and universities in response to calls for institutions to sever ties with Israel and affiliated businesses.
Campuses such as Columbia University and UCLA have witnessed similar protests, with students setting up encampments and advocating for divestment from Israel-related corporations. The activism has led to heightened security measures at events like Southern California’s Pomona College commencement, which was moved to downtown Los Angeles due to protest encampments on campus.
Challenges and Responses
Despite efforts to maintain peaceful protests, tensions have arisen at various graduation ceremonies. At the University of California, Berkeley, pro-Palestinian demonstrators faced opposition from some attendees, who felt their actions disrupted the celebratory atmosphere.
Emerson College in Boston saw students using graduation attire to display messages of solidarity with Palestine, while Columbia University opted to cancel its main commencement ceremony in light of ongoing protests.
Continued Advocacy
At DePaul University in Chicago, the student-led Divestment Coalition continues to push for divestment from Israeli-related economic interests. Talks between protesters and university officials have reached an impasse, leaving the fate of the encampment on campus uncertain as the academic year draws to a close.
As these protests unfold across U.S. campuses, they underscore the importance of student activism and the ongoing dialogue surrounding international conflicts and social justice issues.
Associated Press journalists contributed to this report.
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– Pro-Palestinian protests on campuses
– US college graduations marked by defiant acts.
