Columbia University has decided to cancel its large university-wide commencement ceremony in response to ongoing pro-Palestinian protests that have disrupted its campus and others across the U.S. The Ivy League school, located in upper Manhattan, will instead hold smaller school-based ceremonies over the coming weeks.
The decision to forgo the university-wide ceremony on May 15 was made after discussions with students, who expressed a preference for more intimate, school-level celebrations. These ceremonies allow students to be individually recognized alongside their peers and hear from invited guest speakers.
Most of the ceremonies that were originally planned for the main campus's south lawn will now take place at Columbia's sports complex, approximately 5 miles north of the campus. The recent weeks have been challenging for the university community, with over 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators being arrested after setting up encampments on campus.
Similar protests have occurred at universities nationwide, prompting institutions like the University of Southern California to cancel their main graduation ceremony while still allowing other commencement activities to proceed. The University of Michigan and Northeastern University in Boston have faced disruptions during their ceremonies, with some students displaying Palestinian or Israeli flags.
The protests are rooted in the conflict that began when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Student protesters are advocating for their schools to divest from companies supporting Israel or the war effort. In response, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza, leading to significant Palestinian casualties and displacements.
