Columbia University's graduation ceremony on Friday was marked by a display of political activism, as students expressed their support for Palestine by wearing handcuffs, waving Palestinian flags, and ripping up their diplomas.
This act of protest followed weeks of tension between pro-Palestine demonstrators, university administrators, and law enforcement.
Despite the contentious atmosphere, some graduates remained defiant. A social work graduate, for instance, walked across the stage with her hands zip-tied above her head, eliciting cheers from the crowd. As the event was being livestreamed, she turned to face the audience and proceeded to tear her diploma into pieces.
Columbia University had previously announced the cancellation of its main commencement ceremony last Monday, citing safety concerns. Instead, it opted to hold a series of smaller ceremonies. The first two ceremonies for the School of Professional Studies took place without incident on Friday morning and afternoon.
However, the School of Social Work's graduation ceremony later in the day drew attention as protestors began to walk across the stage at the Baker Athletics Complex. Several students wore keffiyeh scarves, a symbol associated with the Palestinian liberation movement.
Two female graduates held up 'Free Palestine' signs as they received their diplomas. Another student waved a flag bearing the slogan 'Divest Now,' a demand for the university to divest its economic and academic interests in Israel. This act of protest underscores the ongoing political tension and activism present within the student body at Columbia University.
Login