1. Pro-Palestinian campus protests
2. 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 delivering a commencement speech at their graduation ceremony in North Carolina. About 30 out of the 7,000 students in attendance stood up, chanted “free Palestine,” and waved Palestinian flags, causing a mix of reactions from the audience.
Seinfeld, known for his iconic sitcom and his recent role in the Netflix movie “Unfrosted,” was at Duke to receive an honorary doctorate. However, his public support for Israel, particularly during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, sparked controversy among some students.
The protest at Duke University is part of a larger trend on college campuses across the United States. In recent weeks, student-led demonstrations calling for divestment from Israel and businesses supporting the country have resulted in arrests and disruptions at various universities.
Protests at Other Universities
Similar protests were seen at Pomona College in Southern California, where demonstrators set up an encampment on the ceremony stage, prompting the event to be relocated to the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles. At the University of California, Berkeley, pro-Palestinian demonstrators were escorted to the back of the stadium during commencement.
Emerson College in Boston also saw students expressing solidarity with Palestine by displaying messages on their graduation attire. The ongoing protests have caused tensions at universities like Columbia University and the University of Southern California, leading to changes in graduation ceremony plans.
DePaul University’s Divestment Coalition
At DePaul University in Chicago, the student-led DePaul Divestment Coalition has been advocating for the university to divest from economic interests linked to Israel. The group set up an encampment on campus, but negotiations with university officials have reached an impasse, casting uncertainty on the future of their protest.
Despite the challenges faced by pro-Palestinian student activists, the protests have brought attention to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the role of universities in addressing social justice issues.
Conclusion
The demonstrations at various universities highlight the diverse perspectives and activism present on college campuses. As students continue to advocate for social change, the debate over Israel-Palestine relations is likely to remain a contentious issue in academic settings.
For more updates and coverage on education and social justice issues, stay tuned to the Associated Press for the latest news.
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– Pro-Palestinian protests on campuses
– US college graduations marked by defiant acts.
