– Pro-Palestinian protests decline on campuses
– US college graduations marked by defiant acts and dwindling protests.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A small group of Duke University graduates caused a stir at their commencement ceremony in North Carolina on Sunday, as they protested against pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld being chosen as the speaker. Approximately 30 out of the 7,000 students in attendance decided to make their voices heard by leaving their seats and chanting “free Palestine,” while others expressed their support for the cause by waving the Palestinian flag.
Seinfeld, best known for his iconic sitcom and more recently for his role in the Netflix film “Unfrosted,” was at the university to receive an honorary doctorate. However, his public support for Israel, particularly during the conflict in Gaza, has sparked controversy among some students.
Campus Protests Across the US
The incident at Duke was just one example of the growing tensions on college campuses across the United States. In recent weeks, student protests against Israel have led to nearly 2,900 arrests at 57 colleges and universities.
Students have been setting up encampments and calling for their institutions to sever ties with Israel and companies that support the country. From Columbia University in New York City to UCLA in California, demonstrations have been taking place, sometimes involving outside agitators identified by law enforcement.
Security Concerns and Venue Changes
At Southern California’s Pomona College, pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to block access to the commencement ceremony, prompting the event to be moved from Claremont to the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles. Additional security measures were put in place, and tickets were required for entry.
Similar scenes unfolded at the University of California, Berkeley, where a small group of demonstrators disrupted the commencement proceedings. Despite some frustration from attendees, the events remained largely peaceful.
Challenges at Emerson College and DePaul University
Emerson College in Boston saw students expressing their solidarity with Palestine by incorporating messages into their graduation attire. Some took off their robes to reveal statements, while others displayed symbols of support on their mortar boards.
Meanwhile, at DePaul University in Chicago, the DePaul Divestment Coalition set up an encampment on campus to demand divestment from economic interests linked to Israel. Talks between the protesters and university officials hit an impasse, leaving the future of the encampment uncertain.
Conclusion
As tensions around the Israel-Palestine conflict continue to play out on college campuses, it remains to be seen how universities will navigate these sensitive issues in the future. The debate over free speech, activism, and international relations is likely to persist, challenging institutions to find a balance between differing viewpoints.
Contributions to this report were made by journalists Ryan Sun in Los Angeles, Sophia Tareen in Chicago, and Kimberlee Kreusi in Nashville, Tennessee. The Associated Press’ education coverage is supported by multiple private foundations, with AP being solely responsible for all content. For more information on AP’s standards and supporters, visit AP.org.
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Pro-Palestinian protests dwindle on campuses
Pro-Palestinian protests on US college graduations.
