– Pro-Palestinian campus protests
– Defiant acts at US college graduations.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A small group of Duke University graduates made headlines on Sunday as they protested against pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement ceremony in North Carolina. Approximately 30 out of the 7,000 students in attendance stood up, chanted “free Palestine,” and waved Palestinian flags as Seinfeld received an honorary doctorate from the university.
Seinfeld, known for his iconic sitcom and more recently for his role in the Netflix movie “Unfrosted,” has been a vocal supporter of Israel. His stance has drawn criticism from some students on campus, who have been calling for their institutions to sever ties with Israel and companies that support the country.
The protests at Duke University come in the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, where a recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed thousands of lives. The situation has sparked protests at campuses across the United States, with students demanding action from their schools.
Protests Spread to Other Universities
The demonstrations at Duke University were not an isolated incident. Similar protests were seen at other universities, including Pomona College in Southern California and the University of California, Berkeley.
At Pomona College, pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to block access to the commencement ceremony, prompting the school to relocate the event to the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles. The move was met with mixed reactions, with some attendees expressing frustration over the disruption.
Meanwhile, at the University of California, Berkeley, a small group of demonstrators waved flags and chanted during the commencement ceremony, leading to their relocation to the back of the stadium. The incident highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Continued Calls for Divestment
One of the key demands of the protesters is for universities to divest from corporations linked to Israel’s actions in Gaza. At Pomona College, senior Anwar Mohmed criticised the school for ignoring calls to consider divestment, stating that it was time for a change.
Similar sentiments were echoed at DePaul University in Chicago, where the student-led DePaul Divestment Coalition set up an encampment on campus to push for divestment. However, talks between the group and university officials reached an impasse, leaving the future of the protest uncertain.
Impact on Graduation Events
The protests have had repercussions on graduation events at several universities. Columbia University cancelled its main ceremony in response to student uprisings, while the University of Southern California faced security concerns over a valedictorian’s support for Palestinians.
At Emerson College in Boston, some students used their graduation robes and mortar boards to display messages of solidarity with Palestine. The demonstrations underscored the growing support for the Palestinian cause among students on college campuses.
Conclusion
The protests at Duke University and other campuses reflect the deep divisions and emotions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As students continue to push for action from their institutions, the debate over divestment and support for Palestine is likely to remain a contentious issue in the academic sphere.
Associated Press journalists contributed to this report.
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– Pro-Palestinian protests on campuses
– US college graduations marked by defiant acts.
