Graduation ceremonies at colleges and universities in the US are facing disruptions due to ongoing protests. More than 2,100 people have been arrested on over 40 campuses across at least 25 states in recent weeks.
In Michigan, protesters interrupted the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance commencement ceremony. The University of Vermont's president announced that US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, will no longer deliver the commencement address following protests on campus.
At the University of Southern California, valedictorian Asna Tabassum's invitation to speak at the ceremony was rescinded, leading to the cancellation of the main graduation ceremony.
Updates from New York
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik expressed concern over protesters occupying Hamilton Hall, leading to 43 arrests at The New School. The Council on American-Islamic Relations criticized school administrations at various New York universities over the arrests of student protesters.
Updates from California
USC initiated disciplinary actions for members violating policies and laws, while Stanford University officials reported a person wearing a headband similar to Hamas members at a campus encampment. The University of California, Riverside, reached an agreement with protesters to disband an encampment.
Universities around the world
Students at Trinity College Dublin set up an encampment as part of a pro-Palestinian protest, following a fine imposed on the students union for previous disruptions.
Updates in Illinois and Georgia
The University of Chicago and Emory University are dealing with disruptions and safety concerns on campus, with Emory's faculty senate voting no confidence against university President Gregory L. Fenves.
Protests impact on the 2024 election
US Rep. James Clyburn expressed concerns about how college campus protests could affect President Joe Biden's potential second-term presidential run, echoing Sen. Bernie Sanders' warning about Biden's stance on Israel's war in Gaza alienating young voters.
