Protesters disrupted the University of Michigan’s commencement ceremony on Saturday with anti-war chants and Palestinian flag waving, as tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict clashed with the celebratory atmosphere of graduation season. Around 75 demonstrators, many donning traditional Arabic keffiyeh alongside their graduation attire, marched toward the graduation stage at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, chanting slogans like “Regents, regents, you can’t hide! You are funding genocide!” and holding signs advocating for Gaza.
Overhead, conflicting messages flew on banners trailed by planes. One urged divestment from Israel with the message “Divest from Israel now! Free Palestine!” while another expressed support for Israel with the declaration “We stand with Israel. Jewish lives matter.”
Despite the disruption, officials reported that no arrests were made, and the protest did not significantly disrupt the nearly two-hour event attended by tens of thousands, some waving Israeli flags. State police ensured the demonstrators were unable to approach the stage, escorting them to the rear of the stadium for the remainder of the ceremony.
Reflecting on the incident, University spokesperson Colleen Mastony noted that peaceful protests during commencement ceremonies have been a longstanding tradition at the University of Michigan.
Meanwhile, at Indiana University, protesters planned a similar demonstration during President Pamela Whitten’s remarks, urging attendees to walk out. Campuses across the United States, including Ohio State University and Northeastern University, were also preparing for potential protests during their respective commencement ceremonies, amidst a wave of student-led movements calling for universities to sever ties with Israel or companies allegedly supporting the Gaza conflict.
