Anwar Mohmed : “Pro-Palestinian protests dwindle as US graduations marked by defiant acts – KX NEWS”

Duke University Graduates Protest Jerry Seinfeld’s Commencement Speech

A small group of Duke University graduates made headlines on Sunday as they protested against pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina. Approximately 30 out of the 7,000 students in attendance stood up, chanted “free Palestine,” and waved the Palestinian flag as Seinfeld received an honorary doctorate from the university.

Seinfeld, known for his iconic sitcom and recent Netflix movie “Unfrosted,” has been a vocal supporter of Israel, especially during the recent conflict with Gaza. The comedian’s presence at Duke’s graduation sparked controversy and divided opinions among the students, leading to a symbolic protest during the ceremony.

Student Protests Sweep Across U.S. Campuses

The demonstration at Duke University was just one of many student protests that have taken place on campuses across the United States. Following weeks of unrest and calls for divestment from Israel, nearly 2,900 arrests were made at 57 colleges and universities nationwide.

From Columbia University in New York City to UCLA, students set up encampments and demanded their schools cut ties with Israel and businesses supporting the country. The protests have drawn attention to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and sparked debates about divestment and solidarity with Palestine.

Security Concerns Lead to Changes in Graduation Ceremonies

At Southern California’s Pomona College, pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to block access to the commencement ceremony, prompting the school to relocate the event to downtown Los Angeles. The decision to move the ceremony 30 miles away was made to ensure the safety of graduates and their families amid growing tensions.

Similar incidents occurred at other universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, where a small group of protesters disrupted the commencement ceremony. While some attendees expressed frustration at the disruptions, the protests remained largely peaceful across the country.

DePaul University Faces Standoff with Pro-Palestinian Protesters

At DePaul University in Chicago, the student-led DePaul Divestment Coalition set up an encampment on campus, demanding the university divest from economic interests linked to Israel. The standoff between protesters and university officials has reached an impasse, leaving the future of the encampment uncertain as graduation approaches.

As the academic year comes to a close, colleges and universities grapple with the challenges of balancing free speech rights and security concerns amid growing tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The protests serve as a reminder of the power of student activism and the importance of engaging in conversations about complex global issues.

AP Journalists Contribute to Reporting

Associated Press journalists from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Nashville have contributed to the reporting on the student protests and graduation ceremonies affected by the demonstrations. Their coverage sheds light on the impact of the protests on campus communities and the broader conversation about divestment and solidarity with Palestine.

The Associated Press remains committed to providing comprehensive coverage of education issues, with support from private foundations. AP upholds journalistic standards in partnership with philanthropic organizations and discloses its funding sources for transparency and accountability.