– College campus protests
– Graduation acts of defiance.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A small group of Duke University graduates made headlines on Sunday as they protested against renowned comedian Jerry Seinfeld, known for his pro-Israel views, speaking at their commencement in North Carolina. Approximately 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 with both boos and cheers echoing through the venue.
Seinfeld’s Controversial Stance
Seinfeld, famous for his hit sitcom and current Netflix movie “Unfrosted,” has been vocal about his support for Israel, particularly during the recent conflict in Gaza. The Israeli military’s invasion of Gaza following attacks by Hamas resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 35,000 people losing their lives, the majority being women and children according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The comedian’s presence at the commencement ceremony sparked a wave of protests, reflecting a wider trend seen on university campuses across the United States in recent weeks.
Campus Protests Across the Nation
The demonstrations at Duke University are just one example of the growing unrest on campuses nationwide. Students at various institutions have set up encampments and called for divestment from Israel and affiliated businesses. The protests have led to arrests at multiple colleges and universities, with nearly 2,900 individuals being detained during clashes with law enforcement.
From Columbia University in New York City to UCLA in California, the calls for solidarity with Palestine have been loud and clear. At Pomona College in Southern California, protesters attempted to disrupt the commencement ceremony, prompting the school to relocate the event to the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles.
Challenges Faced by Students
Despite facing pushback from authorities and some members of the public, students have remained steadfast in their demand for justice and accountability. Anwar Mohmed, a senior at Pomona College, expressed frustration over the institution’s failure to address their calls for divestment from corporations supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Similar sentiments have been echoed at other universities, including UC Berkeley and Emerson College, where students used their graduation platforms to advocate for Palestinian rights. The demonstrations have drawn attention to the complexities of navigating political issues within academic settings.
Continued Activism and Responses
As the academic year draws to a close, the activism seen on campuses shows no signs of waning. Universities like Columbia and USC have had to adapt their graduation plans in response to student-led protests, while others, such as DePaul University in Chicago, are facing ongoing challenges in their engagement with pro-Palestinian groups.
Despite the controversies and disruptions, the protests have remained largely peaceful, underscoring the commitment of students to raise awareness about global issues and advocate for meaningful change within their communities.
For more information on education and activism, stay updated with the latest news from the Associated Press.
.
1. Pro-Palestinian protests on campuses
2. Defiant acts at US college graduations.
