As graduation season approaches, universities across the United States are bracing for potential disruptions amid ongoing pro-Palestinian protests.
This weekend, four universities that have been at the center of pro-Palestinian demonstrations will host graduation ceremonies. Meanwhile, other institutions, such as Columbia University, have planned graduations throughout May and into June.
In anticipation of possible protests, universities are ramping up security measures. Meanwhile, protesters are considering various actions, including walkouts, to voice their demands.
Previous protests saw demonstrators setting up encampments and organizing campus rallies, urging their universities to sever ties with Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza.
Following the widespread police intervention that resulted in thousands of arrests, colleges across the United States have grappled with the fallout from ongoing protests.
Since demonstrations initially erupted at Columbia University last month, nearly 140 institutions across 45 states and Washington D.C. have witnessed protests, according to a tally by the BBC.
While student protesters have remained relatively silent about potential disruptions during graduation ceremonies, some groups have voiced their intentions. At Indiana University, for example, IU Divest and the Palestine Solidarity Committee, whose encampment was twice cleared by police in recent weeks, have called for a walk-out during graduation events.
A post on Instagram urges participants to demonstrate their pro-Palestine stance at the “Liberated Zone” on campus in Bloomington, suggesting attendees wear a keffiyeh along with their graduation attire.
The walk-out is slated to coincide with the commencement address by Pamela Whitten, the university president.
Ms. Whitten faced a no-confidence vote earlier in April from faculty members who expressed concerns about academic freedom following the cancellation of a Palestinian artist’s exhibition and the suspension of a faculty member who sponsored a pro-Palestinian student group.
In addition to the walk-out, faculty members have discussed organizing “a silent protest” outside the commencement venue to express their discontent without disrupting the event, according to sources who requested anonymity.
Other universities, including the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, and the University of Connecticut, which have all witnessed protests in recent weeks, are scheduled to hold graduations on May 4th and 5th.
In preparation for potential disruptions, the University of Michigan has announced plans for designated protest areas, where banners and flags will be prohibited, and protesters will undergo security screenings.
