New York’s esteemed Columbia University has declared the cancellation of its main graduation ceremony, originally slated for next week, citing ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations. This decision, announced on Monday, marks the latest development in a movement that originated nearly three weeks ago at Columbia and has since reverberated across college campuses nationwide.
The graduation event, initially planned for May 15 on the south lawn of the Manhattan campus—previously a site for protest encampments—will be foregone in favor of a series of smaller gatherings, as confirmed by the Ivy League institution. Columbia stated its commitment to providing students with the celebratory experience they deserve, acknowledging that smaller, school-based ceremonies hold greater significance for them and their families.
The university assured its dedication to ensuring the safety, respectfulness, and smooth operation of these scaled-down events, redirecting resources accordingly. Meanwhile, students across the country have rallied against the conflict in Gaza, advocating for stronger action from President Joe Biden and urging their institutions to disassociate from companies supporting Israel’s government.
Maya James, a psychology student at Columbia, stated the unity fostered by the university’s response to student activism, advocating for amnesty for suspended students exercising their First Amendment rights. She also called for transparency regarding the university’s investments, acknowledging the continued tradition of protest at Columbia and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Echoing sentiments echoed nationwide, demonstrators have converged on numerous university campuses since April 17, staging sit-ins and erecting tent camps to protest the escalating violence in Gaza. The crackdown on these protests, including recent interventions by law enforcement at Columbia and New York University, has drawn attention to allegations of police brutality and acknowledged the broader implications of student activism in the United States.
