Dozens of students at the University of Chicago protested the war in Gaza by walking out of the commencement ceremony. The school had decided to withhold the diplomas of four seniors due to their involvement with a pro-Palestinian encampment, leading to a brief disruption during the ceremony. The walkout included shouts, boos, and calls to 'Stop Genocide,' with some students holding Palestinian flags and wearing traditional kaffiyeh scarves.
The seniors whose diplomas were withheld expressed their concerns, with one student questioning the importance of a diploma when people in Palestine and Gaza are suffering. University officials acknowledged the protest, emphasizing the institution's commitment to allowing students to express diverse views.
Similar protests have occurred at other universities across the U.S. and Europe, with students demanding divestment from Israel and companies supporting the conflict in Gaza. The demonstrations aim to draw attention to what protesters describe as a genocide against Palestinians by Israel.
Following the commencement, a small demonstration led to the arrest of an individual not affiliated with the school. The University of Chicago had cleared the encampment earlier in May after initially tolerating the protest, citing safety concerns and disruptive conduct.
While the students involved in the protest can still receive their degrees pending a university inquiry into alleged policy violations, thousands of students and faculty members have signed a petition urging the university to grant the degrees. Additionally, several Chicago City Council members have written a letter in support of the students' request.
