Columbia University Cancels Large Commencement Ceremony Following Pro-Palestinian Protests

Columbia University has decided to cancel its main university-wide commencement ceremony scheduled for May 15 in response to weeks of pro-Palestinian protests. The protests, which have affected campuses across the United States, have fueled concerns over the intentions behind hosting such a ceremony amidst ongoing tensions. However, the university has reassured students that they will still have the opportunity to celebrate their graduation at a series of smaller, school-based ceremonies over the following weeks.

The decision to cancel the commencement ceremony was made after extensive discussions with students, who emphasized that the smaller-scale, school-based celebrations held more significance for them and their families.

Columbia University’s decision to move the ceremonies away from the main campus was influenced by recent protests and the dismantling of a protest encampment. Most of the ceremonies will now take place at the university’s sports complex, located about 5 miles (8 kilometers) north.

Despite the cancellation of the main ceremony, several notable speakers are still scheduled to address students at the smaller graduation ceremonies. This includes Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames and Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, director of the National Institutes of Health.

Columbia University had previously canceled in-person classes and, in recent weeks, witnessed the arrest of more than 200 individuals who had either occupied academic buildings or set up encampments on the university’s green.

This situation is not unique to Columbia University, as similar protests and encampments have sprung up on various campuses, highlighting the challenge universities face in maintaining safe and inclusive environments while allowing free expression.

Other Instances of Disrupted Graduation Ceremonies

Emory University, another campus grappling with protests, decided to relocate its commencement ceremony from its Atlanta campus to the GasSouth Arena and Convocation Center in Duluth, nearly 20 miles (30 kilometers) northeast of the original location. This decision, made after careful consultation with security agencies and the Emory Police Department, aimed to ensure the safety of attendees and the campus community.

In contrast, universities like the University of Michigan, Indiana University, and Northeastern have successfully carried out their commencement ceremonies with relatively few disruptions, although some instances of protests and chanting did occur.

The University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) both experienced heightened tensions, resulting in the cancellation of USC’s main graduation ceremony and the subsequent arrest of 64 individuals, including 40 students, at UCSD.

The Context of the Protests

The protests at universities across the United States stem from the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which escalated on October 7 when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of around 250 hostages, predominantly civilians. In response, students advocating for Palestinian rights are pressuring their respective schools to divest from companies supporting Israel.

Israel, vowing to dismantle Hamas, launched an offensive in Gaza that has resulted in the deaths of more than 34,500 Palestinians, with the majority being women and children. Meanwhile, Israel’s strikes have caused immense destruction and forced the displacement of most residents in the Gaza Strip.

On Monday, Hamas endorsed an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal. However, Israel deemed the proposal inadequate in meeting its core demands and proceeded with its military assault on the town of Rafah in southern Gaza.

Protests on U.S. campuses continue, with demands ranging from advocating for the divestment from Israel to urging the discontinuation of military support for Israel.

Efforts to Address the Protests

University administrations are grappling with how to respond to the pro-Palestinian protests, employing a range of strategies from gentler appeals to more severe warnings and disciplinary actions.

Some institutions, like the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, offered protesters amnesty from potential academic consequences and trespassing charges if they relocated from their encampment. According to their statement, many of the protesters cooperated after being notified of potential legal consequences, while a latent group was ultimately arrested.

Others, like Harvard University, raise the possibility of involuntary leave for students participating in pro-Palestinian encampments, which would bar them from campus, jeopardize their housing, and potentially affect their academic progress.

Conclusion

Columbia University’s decision to cancel its university-wide commencement ceremony reflects the challenges faced by universities in maintaining a balance between facilitating student expression and ensuring the safety and security of their campuses. By providing smaller, school-based celebrations, the university aims to prioritize the students’ wishes and create a more meaningful and memorable experience for graduates and their families.

As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues, universities across the United States navigate the complexities of ensuring a safe and inclusive environment while encountering protests and differing perspectives on the conflict.

Associated Press writers Jeff Amy in Atlanta and Steve LeBlanc in Cambridge, Mass., contributed to this report.

[Your Name], Writer