Universities prepare for another weekend of graduations amidst ongoing protests and removal of encampments

Universities across the country are preparing for commencement ceremonies this weekend amid a backdrop of intense pro-Palestinian protests that have led to thousands of arrests. At Virginia Commonwealth University, students walked out of the ceremony as Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered the commencement address, leading to cheers from some in the crowd. The University of Southern California dealt with safety concerns over student protests and canceled its main stage ceremony but allowed valedictorian Asna Tabassum to walk the stage and receive applause. Protests also disrupted ceremonies at the University of California, Berkeley, where students waved signs and Palestinian flags, and at the University of Pennsylvania, where demonstrators were arrested. Universities have implemented additional safety measures and warned against disruptions, with some specifying that peaceful protests are allowed as long as they do not interfere with others’ ability to hear a speaker. The University of Texas at Austin, facing criticism for calling in state troopers to arrest protesters, has issued guidelines on prohibited items at their commencement ceremony and warned of zero tolerance for disruptions. Despite the challenges, universities are determined to celebrate the achievement of their graduating classes.

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