Columbia University has decided to forgo a universitywide graduation ceremony in light of recent anti-Israel protests that escalated into violent clashes last week. Instead, the university will hold smaller ceremonies to honor graduating students, focusing on ensuring the security of these events. The decision comes after the New York Police Department disbanded a protest encampment at a Columbia University building that had been forcefully taken over by protesters.
The university stated that based on student feedback, they have decided to prioritize Class Days and school-level ceremonies where students will be individually recognized alongside their peers. These smaller-scale celebrations are more meaningful to students and their families, who are eager to cross the stage and hear from invited guest speakers. Resources will be directed towards these school ceremonies to ensure they are safe, respectful, and run smoothly.
Ceremonies that were originally planned to take place on the south lawn of the Morningside campus will be relocated to the Baker Athletics Complex. Columbia University is also considering hosting a “festive event” on May 15 in place of the canceled universitywide ceremony.
Other universities, such as the University of Southern California and Emory University, have also had to make adjustments to their graduation ceremonies due to safety concerns related to anti-Israel protests. At the University of Michigan, anti-Israel protesters briefly disrupted a graduation ceremony but were drowned out by boos and chants of “USA.”
