On Saturday, pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the University of Michigan’s graduation ceremony, leading to cheers from the crowd as they were escorted out of the venue. About 75 people, some holding Palestinian flags and signs, marched up the main aisle chanting slogans and carrying banners calling for divestment from companies with ties to Israel. While some students wore traditional Arabic keffiyeh, at least one student decorated their cap with an Israeli flag. Placards were also displayed above the stadium, with conflicting messages advocating for both Israel and Palestine.
According to a University of Michigan spokesperson, no arrests were made and the protest did not delay the ceremony, which celebrated the achievements of thousands of students. The protesters were escorted to the back of the stadium by public safety personnel and remained there until the event concluded. The university supports free speech and expression, with peaceful protests being a common occurrence at commencement ceremonies. Despite the disruption, the ceremony proceeded successfully and was described as a joyous and triumphant moment for the graduates.
Videos shared on social media captured the protest and the crowd’s reaction as the protesters were removed from the venue. It remains unclear whether the cheers were in support or opposition to the demonstrators. Chants included calls for divestment and accusations of funding genocide against the university’s regents. The videos also showed responses from individuals shouting for the protesters to be quiet. The disruption led to U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro pausing his remarks at one point during the ceremony.
In addition to the incident at the University of Michigan, pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been taking place on campuses across the U.S. following arrests at Columbia University in New York City. Participants in the demonstrations have been calling for universities to divest from companies supporting Israel and for a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The conflict escalated after a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, leading to significant casualties on the Palestinian side, including many children and women.
The high number of Palestinian deaths has garnered global condemnation, with some protests turning violent and disruptive, prompting police intervention and legislative action. The House of Representatives recently passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act to address rising antisemitism on college campuses, with reports of Jewish students being targeted during protests. The demonstrations have highlighted the deep divide and emotional reactions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides advocating for their respective causes. The disruptions at graduation ceremonies underscore the extent to which this issue has permeated various aspects of society in the U.S. and beyond.
