Jerry Seinfeld : “US College Graduations Marked by Defiant Pro-Palestinian Acts”

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 and chanted “free Palestine,” while some waved the Palestinian flag in opposition to Seinfeld receiving an honorary doctorate from the university.

Seinfeld, known for his iconic sitcom and more recently starring in the Netflix movie “Unfrosted,” has been vocal about his support for Israel. The controversy stems from Israel’s recent conflict with Gaza, where thousands of lives were lost, predominantly women and children.

The student protest at Duke’s graduation is part of a larger trend on college campuses across the U.S. In recent weeks, student protests have led to arrests and demands for universities to cut ties with Israel and associated businesses. The issue has sparked both support and backlash, creating tension at various institutions.

At Southern California’s Pomona College, a similar protest took place, leading to the relocation of the commencement ceremony to downtown Los Angeles due to security concerns. The protests at various universities reflect a growing concern among students over international conflicts and their impact on academic institutions.

Meanwhile, at Berkeley and Emerson College, students used their graduation ceremonies as platforms to express solidarity with Palestine. Some students at Emerson College adorned their mortar boards with “free Palestine” messages, while others displayed symbols of support during the event.

Protests at Columbia University and the University of Southern California have also made headlines, with some events being canceled or altered due to security concerns. The tension between pro-Palestinian groups and university administrations highlights the complex nature of political activism on college campuses.

As the academic year comes to a close, the future of protests at DePaul University in Chicago remains uncertain. The student-led DePaul Divestment Coalition has set up an encampment on campus, demanding divestment from corporations linked to Israel. The standoff between students and university officials underscores the ongoing debate over international politics in higher education.

In conclusion, the protests at various universities reflect a growing trend of student activism on international issues. The clash between pro-Palestinian groups and university administrations highlights the challenges of balancing academic freedom with political expression on college campuses.

Associated Press journalists contributed to this report.