Graduation ceremonies are underway at colleges and universities across the United States this weekend following a period of protests that resulted in over 2,100 arrests on more than 40 campuses in at least 25 states.
Here are some key headlines from Saturday's events:
The University of Michigan: Pro-Palestinian protesters were removed from the main commencement ceremony in Ann Arbor after briefly disrupting the proceedings. No arrests were made during the incident. A protest also disrupted a smaller ceremony on campus the day before.
The University of Virginia: Police intervened to clear out pro-Palestinian protesters and dismantle tents near the center of the Charlottesville campus. Video footage showed officers in riot gear approaching the protesters, confiscating umbrellas, and removing tents. Some protesters were detained during the operation.
The University of Southern California: USC has heightened security measures, with the Los Angeles Police Department maintaining a presence on campus throughout the commencement period. Controversy arose when valedictorian Asna Tabassum's speaking invitation was rescinded, leading to the cancellation of the main graduation ceremony. USC now plans to host a 'family graduate celebration' on May 9.
Schools abroad: Solidarity protests in support of individuals affected by the conflict in Gaza are ongoing at universities in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In Ireland, students at Trinity College Dublin stacked benches to block access to the Book of Kells, a popular tourist attraction. In the UK, Goldsmiths University in London acceded to student demands following a brief encampment in the faculty's library by the student-led group 'Goldsmiths for Palestine.'
