Pro-Palestinian protesters were removed from University of Michigan's main commencement ceremony on Saturday. It is unclear if anyone was arrested or detained.
Michigan State Police have been contacted for comment.
Carlos Del Toro, the 78th US secretary of the Navy, emphasized the importance of the right to protest peacefully in his speech during the ceremony. He stated, 'I’m extremely proud as a Cuban-American who came to this country as an immigrant and who also chose to serve for 26 years in uniform to again protect the liberties of all Americans to protest peacefully in this country.'
The protesters were removed shortly after their demonstration.
Photos from the commencement show that planes flew banners with opposing messages over the ceremony. One banner read, 'Divest from Israel,' while the other said, 'Stand with Israel.'
Commencements at the University of Michigan are ongoing with programs hosting separate ceremonies featuring distinguished speakers. Saturday's massive event at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor was the spring graduation ceremony for the entire university.
The University of Michigan has designated areas for protests outside ceremony venues throughout the weekend. The university's website notes that all commencement events will include security screenings, prohibit banners and flags, and be monitored by volunteers who will immediately respond to disruptions, starting with warnings.
A ceremony for the university's School of Music, Theatre and Dance was also interrupted on Friday.
