New York: Amidst weeks of pro-Palestinian protests, Columbia University on Monday announced the cancellation of its university-wide commencement ceremony scheduled for May 15th, opting instead for smaller, school-based events. The Ivy League institution stated that the decision was made amidst the backdrop of recent demonstrations that have stirred controversy within the university community.
In a statement released on Monday, Columbia University expressed that the past few weeks have been “incredibly difficult” for its community, acknowledging the impact of the ongoing protests. The university emphasized a shift in focus towards Class Days and school-level ceremonies, where individual students would be honored alongside their peers.
Columbia University noted that student leaders were consulted in the decision-making process regarding graduation arrangements. The majority of the ceremonies, initially planned to occur on the Morningside Heights campus, where most of the protests have unfolded, will now be relocated to the university’s main athletic complex.
Earlier, the New York City police intervened to clear a Columbia campus building that had been barricaded by pro-Palestinian protesters. The operation resulted in the arrest of over 100 individuals and the dismantling of an encampment.
The protests at Columbia have garnered national attention and have served as a catalyst for similar demonstrations at numerous universities across the United States. Students have been vocal in their calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and have urged their respective institutions to divest from companies with ties to Israel.
