College students upset about canceled graduation ceremonies because of anti-Israel protests.
Amid a time of celebration and achievement for many university students, several Jewish undergraduates found themselves facing disruptions and disappointment during their college graduation ceremonies. These students, who had already dealt with the cancellations of their high school graduations in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were looking forward to commemorating their academic achievements at the college level.
However, their hopes were dashed as anti-Israel unrest spread across campuses nationwide, leading to disturbances during graduation events. At Columbia University, one student expressed how the atmosphere at the institution had shifted from a place of learning and debate to one of tension and fear.
One student shared how individuals had taken photos of him holding an Israeli flag and posted them online in an attempt to intimidate and cyberbully him. At the University of Southern California (USC), a recent graduate had his commencement ceremony canceled due to anti-Israel demonstrators taking over the campus.
Despite the cancellation of the main commencement ceremony, USC still held individual school ceremonies, but security measures were heightened in light of the situation. The university had faced criticism previously for barring a Muslim student from speaking at the commencement due to safety concerns related to anti-Israel sentiments.
Protests and disruptions were also reported at other universities, including Columbia and Duke, where graduation speakers were interrupted by demonstrators. The incidents left students feeling disappointed and marginalized, as what should have been a joyous occasion was marred by unrest.
It is clear that the issue of anti-Israel sentiments on college campuses is a contentious and divisive one, affecting not only the students directly involved but also the broader university community. As tensions continue to simmer, it is essential for institutions to address these conflicts and ensure that all students feel safe and respected on campus.
