EDUCATION
Campus protests sees commencement ceremonies canceled at Columbia
The decision comes after weeks of intense demonstrations by students and faculty members, which have centered around the Israeli invasion of Gaza.
US universities have been rocked by student protests as the backlash against the Israeli invasion of Gaza continues. With classes cancelled and police brutalising protestors, universities are taking measures to they claim is to ensure the safety of students amidst a turblent situation.
Columbia University, the hub of the student protests, has therefore announced the cancellation of its main commencement ceremony that had been scheduled for 15 May.
“Holding a large commencement ceremony on our campus presented security concerns that unfortunately proved insurmountable,” said Columbia spokesperson Ben Chang. “Like our students, we are deeply disappointed with this outcome.”
The encampment protests began on 17 April, though the first group of students were arrested. The protests quickly gained momentum, with students and faculty members from various departments and schools joining the demonstrations. Other students have been inspired by the Columbia example with students all over the world now demonstrating against their governments.
What is behind the protests?
At the heart of the protests are concerns for their university’s alleged complicity in Israeli human rights abuses. Crucially, as was done with apartheid South Africa, students want universities to end their financial links to weapons manufacturers and the Israeli state. It has been reported that more than $375 million has been gifted to US universities by the state of Israel in the last 20 years.
The recent Israeli incursion into Rafah, one of the last refuges for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, will be sure to increase student calls for ceasefire. The US government had originally announced this move would be one of its “red lines,” though as of yet no action has been taken.
What will happen instead of commencement?
In response to the cancellation, the university has opted to hold smaller-scale, school-based celebrations to recognise graduating students. These events will take place during Class Days and school-level ceremonies, allowing individual schools to honour their graduating students.